Throughout his four-decade public career, Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter has cornered the rhetorical market about being frugal with the taxpayer's money. In his 2009 State of the State presentation, he touted a "state government that understands its intended role in people's lives and -- first and foremost -- a government that understands how to live within the people's means." Two years later, his second inaugural address included this phrase: "Frugality in the public sector should not be seen as cruel or careless but rather as necessary to maintaining our economic and personal liberties." And earlier this year, Otter opened the legislative session with this observation: "We learned the value of being more frugal and accountable with taxpayer resources during the Great Recession." When Otter preaches frugality, he's telling public employees to accept less. Teachers and school pupils will have to stretch budgets just a little thinner. And college students simply will have to take on more debt to pay rising tuition costs. How about when it comes to himself? Not so much/Marty Trillhaase, Lewiston Tribune. More here.

DFO I suspect Otter knows that being a Republican governor in ruby red Idaho means you never have to explain your inconsistencies. Thoughts?