Otter rips Balukoff over Hobby Lobby ruling, Balukoff responds
In addition to the official statement Gov. Butch Otter sent out yesterday lauding the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in the Hobby Lobby case, Otter also sent out another rather different statement from his campaign – sharply attacking his Democratic opponent, A.J. Balukoff, and suggesting Balukoff “would happily go along with Obama’s attempts to repress religious freedom and individual rights.”
Today, Balukoff responded, saying, “By misrepresenting my views, Otter makes one point very clear: He knows he will lose if he tries to run on his own, terrible record.” Click below to read both the Otter campaign statement and Balukoff’s response.
OTTER’S STATEMENT
"Like his support for same-sex marriage, the Hobby Lobby case provides a vivid example of how my Democrat opponent's support for Obamacare and President Obama would undermine Idaho values. As governor, this Boise Democrat would not only support Obamacare, he would happily go along with Obama's attempts to repress religious freedom and individual rights."
BALUKOFF’S STATEMENT
“By misrepresenting my views, Otter makes one point very clear: He knows he will lose if he tries to run on his own, terrible record. I am confident that Idahoans can see Otter's tactics for what they are, an attempt to divert attention away from his dismal 40 year political record.
“Idaho is last in the nation in per capita wages and in education spending. Otter is camouflaging his flawed policies that leave regular Idahoans on the outside looking in. It is clear that the governor hopes people forget about such issues as the ongoing FBI investigation into the private prison scandal. And, after 40 years in politics, he doesn’t want people to remember that his own campaign is top-loaded with high paid lobbyists who represent private prisons, the Luna Laws, and major out-of-state contractors who live off of Idaho government contracts.
“The truth is, I support both the United States and Idaho Constitutions, including equal protection under the law, freedom of religion, right to bear arms, and the responsibility of the State to provide a uniform and thorough education for all of Idaho - the mandate he continues to overlook year after year.”
