Idaho GOP unity already splintering

BOISE - Less than a week after the Idaho Republican Party gathered for a “unity” rally on the steps of the state Capitol, where vanquished challengers pledged to support the primary election victors and move forward as a united party, that proclaimed unity already is splintering. C.T. “Chris” Troupis said today that he’s withdrawing his endorsement of GOP Attorney General Lawrence Wasden, to whom he lost the primary, 59 percent to 40 percent – an endorsement Troupis announced at the unity rally the morning after last Tuesday’s election. Troupis said he changed his mind about the endorsement after learning that Democratic nominee Bruce Bistline said he won’t actively campaign, because his differences with Wasden are “fairly nominal,” but that he would have actively campaigned if the GOP nominee had been Troupis, with whom he said his differences are “legion.” Troupis said, “I’d really like some assurances from Mr. Wasden that he’s not in line with the Democratic candidate for Attorney General. If they’re on the same page, then I feel pretty stupid endorsing basically a Democrat.” He added, “Now, if Mr. Wasden does have differences, significant differences, and he can point those out to me, then I’d be happy to reconsider.” “I’m just wanting to be consistent philosophically with my positions,” Troupis said. “But as a practical matter, he’s not opposed, so he’s going to win. So everybody will probably just ignore it. It makes me feel better.” Wasden had no comment Tuesday. At the unity rally last week, where he spoke just before Troupis, Wasden said, “I congratulate my opponent on a very vigorous campaign. It is important that we recognize the values that we have and why we’re Republicans.” Troupis said, “I don’t think the unity rally was any kind of a sham. We’re trying to support the party. I think I have a different vision for where the party ought to be.”