Security A Capitol Issue

Security at the Idaho Legislature is tighter than ever before, even if some lawmakers doubt they need it.

The college students who once guarded the place in the evening have been replaced by uniformed security guards. An Idaho State Police officer has been assigned to the mall area full time.

Statehouse officials say past threats - and a heated political environment - make additional security measures necessary.

Gov. Phil Batt and two former senators received threats, officials said.Legislators are divided on the need for the measures.

Rep. Lenore Barrett, R-Challis, wondered whether the “national paranoia” over fringe elements has caused an overreaction.

“I just don’t, at this point in time, have the capacity to be frightened,” she said.

Lt. Gov. Butch Otter is one who does not want to see security tightened.

“That’s the great thing about Idaho: Government is as accessible here as it is any place in the world.”