PUBLIC LANDS -- Idaho can build its brand on the 62 percent of the state that is owned by the federal government, or it can isolate itself like Utah by rejecting the outdoor recreation industry and advocates for public access, says Rocky Barker of the Idaho Statesman.

"Think about that as you measure the people who will seek to be our next governor and represent us at all levels of government."

Barker makes his case based on the experience of politicians and other people in the state who didn't need Utah's bad example to realize that plunging into debt to take over federal lands would not be the solution to their issues.

Read Barker's column here.