In her Inlander column, former state senator Mary Lou Reed wonders why Idaho Gov. Butch Otter remains committed to the horse-racing industry, which has little or no impact on North Idaho:

The horse industry's wayward ways were brought to the attention of the legislature in January, and despite heavy lobbying by the horse-racing crowd, the repeal made it to the governor's desk after racking up comfortable margins in both the House and the Senate. In his veto message, Governor Otter revealed his extraordinary commitment to horses, horse racing and to his longtime buddies in the horse-racing business. He wrote: "I am seeking an alternative capable of restoring confidence in horse racing as a legitimate and even ennobling industry." Recently, Otter tipped his hand by issuing a press release suggesting he will work hard in the coming session to help the "ennobling" horse-racing industry. More here.

DFO: Mary Lou is expressing the same questions that have bounced around in my mind for some time. Why is Butch Otter so committed to horse racing. If he was half as committed to public education as he is to horse racing, our children would be receiving a swell education. Thoughts?