Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Governor

Related Coverage, Page 7

Otter Nixed NI Debate For Radio Show

Otter Nixed NI Debate For Radio Show

Idaho governor now opposes repeal of 17th Amendment

BOISE – Idaho Gov. Butch Otter appears to be abandoning an issue important to many tea party activists. The Republican seeking a second term in the governor’s office declared during a political debate Monday that he now opposes repeal of the 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which would return the selection of U.S. senators to state legislatures. But just five months ago, while in Spokane as a keynote speaker for a tea party rally in Riverfront Park, Otter was sharply critical of the 17th Amendment, which some conservative groups consider an intrusion on state’s rights and its repeal is part of the Idaho Republican Party’s state platform.

Otter Opposes 17th Amendment Repeal

Otter Opposes 17th Amendment Repeal

Idaho, Montana to receive federal education funds

The state Department of Education says Idaho will receive more than $51 million in federal education funding to preserve teacher jobs, while U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said Montana will receive nearly $30.7 million to support education jobs.

Idaho nets $51 million to preserve teacher jobs

The state Department of Education says Idaho will receive more than $51 million in federal education funding to preserve teacher jobs.

UI: Candidates Should Foster Debate

UI: Candidates Should Foster Debate

Subsidies on heavy shipments criticized

BOISE – An Oregon congressman is calling for a federal investigation into plans for oversize shipments of oil equipment across U.S. Highway 12 to Canada, saying he doesn’t want U.S. taxpayers subsidizing Canadian oil production. “I am concerned about the ExxonMobil Canada plan to use U.S. roadways to haul oversize loads to Alberta, Canada, for the Kearl Oil Sands project,” Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Oregon, wrote to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood on Aug. 25.

Otter Spurns NIdaho, Lewiston Debate

Otter Spurns NIdaho, Lewiston Debate

Eye on Boise: Constitutional amendment would allow tuition at UI

BOISE – A little-noticed item on this year’s general election ballot, SJR 101, would amend the Idaho Constitution to permit tuition to be charged at the University of Idaho. The Idaho Constitution now forbids that, so students there are charged “fees” rather than tuition. The difference? “Tuition” is what pays for classroom instruction; “fees” pay for everything else.

Allred Leads Otter In Press Poll, But …

Allred Leads Otter In Press Poll, But …

Governor hopefuls release new TV ads

BOISE – Idaho Gov. Butch Otter’s first campaign commercial for his re-election bid contains a misleading claim, while that of his Democratic challenger, Keith Allred, includes an overstatement. But both TV spots, unveiled as Idaho enters the thick of the campaign season, begin to delineate the candidates, from the incumbent who strongly defends his state budget cuts as a victory in shrinking government to the challenger who draws himself as an Idaho Everyman who’s not beholden to “special interests.”

Gas tax debate rekindled in Idaho

There’s good reason Washington license plates are such a common sight at Idaho gas stations near the state line – gas is just plain cheaper in Idaho. Among the reasons: Washington’s 37.5-cent-per-gallon gas tax is 12.5 cents higher than Idaho’s, which has stood at 25 cents a gallon since 1996.

Eye on Boise: Holiday travel expected to go up despite gas prices

BOISE – Idaho’s average gas price is now $2.99 per gallon, up four cents in the past three weeks and 31 cents above the national average of $2.68, according to AAA of Idaho. But the AAA is forecasting a 10 percent increase in auto travel over this Labor Day holiday weekend in Idaho and the region, compared to last year, despite the pricier gas. “We do not expect Idaho’s higher gas prices will have any sizable impact on travel intentions,” said Dave Carlson, director of public and government affairs for AAA Idaho.

Otter Now Sides w/Arizona Law

Otter Now Sides w/Arizona Law

Idaho joins appeal on Ariz immigration law

Idaho joins appeal on Ariz immigration law

Rasmussen: Otter 52%, Allred 36%

Rasmussen: Otter 52%, Allred 36%

Round 2: Did ‘Keith Cut Property Taxes’?

Round 2: Did ‘Keith Cut Property Taxes’?

AAA: Washington gas prices up 14 cents over year

The AAA auto club says drivers hitting the road this Labor Day weekend in Washington will find gasoline prices 14 cents a gallon higher than they were this time last year.

Allred, GOP Battle Over ‘06 Tax Relief

Allred, GOP Battle Over ‘06 Tax Relief

ID GOP Fires Off Error-Prone Missive

ID GOP Fires Off Error-Prone Missive