Chenoweth Assailed At Rally Diverse Group Attendson Eve Of Gingrich’s Visit
A broad coalition ranging from senior citizens to environmentalists rallied Wednesday night against the re-election of Republican Rep. Helen Chenoweth.
About 125 people attended a Statehouse rally in which several speakers had harsh words for Chenoweth’s record during 19 months in office.
The rally came on the eve of House Speaker Newt Gingrich’s visit to Idaho for a fund-raising event for Chenoweth. The $125-per plate breakfast was scheduled for this morning.
“It’s a good time to get our message out to the public,” said master of ceremonies David Langhorst.
Only rarely mentioned was Chenoweth’s election opponent, Democrat Dan Williams. Most of the speakers were critical of what Chenoweth has done in Congress since she defeated two-term Democratic incumbent Larry LaRocco nearly two years ago.
Representatives of senior citizens, labor unions, environmentalists, advocates for children, educators and women’s groups attended the rally to carry signs and join in chants against Chenoweth.
High school student Molly Neitzel said the Republican incumbent has voted to cut funding for environmental protection, anti-drug programs and student loans.
“If Helen really cared about the youth of Idaho she’d be expanding these programs to offer us a brighter future, not cutting them,” Neitzel said.
Sally Trott, a director of the Idaho Wildlife Federation and an avid angler, said Chenoweth jokes about efforts to save endangered species such as salmon and steelhead.
“It’s no laughing matter to Idaho’s anglers. Nor to our rural economies that depend on the $90 million in annual revenue these fisheries provide,” Trott said.
Retired union member Lester Peck of Nampa said he was worried about Chenoweth’s attitude toward Medicare.
He said Chenoweth has refused to sign a promise that she will not cut Medicare or Social Security.
“She didn’t sign it because Newt wouldn’t let her,” Peck said. “They’re not telling the truth when they say they’re not going to cut Medicare, because if they weren’t planning on cutting Medicare, Helen would have signed the pledge,” he said.
“Helen Chenoweth talks a lot about values, but she consistently votes for cuts in the values of working men and women, prosperity, security, democracy and dignity for all,” said Penny Fletcher, a member of the Idaho AFL-CIO Executive Board.