Gritz: Region ‘Palm Of God’s Hand’ Populist Receives Applause Speaking To Orofino Chamber

James “Bo” Gritz says he has been assured that Idaho Gov. Phil Batt “will lift up the constitution in Idaho,” but the governor said on Thursday he does not know what Gritz is talking about.

Gritz made the comment Wednesday when he stunned the Orofino Chamber of Commerce by saying he was telling people throughout America that Idaho’s Clearwater River region where he has located his “Almost Heaven” development is “the palm of God’s hand.”

Batt said that he never discussed the constitution with Gritz the last time he spoke with him almost two years ago when Gritz became an early public supporter of his bid for governor.

“He wouldn’t have gotten that from the conversation we had,” Batt said. “I don’t know what that means. The conversation we had was about deficit spending and how it would wreck the country.”

Gritz acknowledged that he understands the people of north-central Idaho did not want to be inundated by newcomers, and despite his comments he was received with a warm round of applause before and after his talk.

The former Green Beret and Populist presidential candidate said he expects to move to his “Almost Heaven” property near Kamiah next summer, build a home and then pursue his dream of building a Boy Scout Eagle camp in cooperation with the Nez Perce Tribe.

Gritz added he has no intention of conducting any commercial ventures at Almost Heaven. His only goal in acquiring the 900 acres of land, he said, is to subdivide and sell it, and make enough money to have 10 acres for his family.

Bill Wassmuth, director of the Northwest Coalition Against Malicious Harassment in Seattle, last week suggested Gritz, through his rhetoric, is likely to attract racist elements to Almost Heaven.

Gritz welcomed outside scrutiny of Almost Heaven, saying specialinterest groups can look, but will find no evidence of racism there.