Questions Will Separate The Spuds From The Studs

Most of you folks in the Peanut Gallery deserve a Hot Potato, according to a Washington Post survey. Seems two-thirds of Americans can’t identify their lawmaker in the U.S. House of Representatives, and half don’t know their representative’s party affiliation. But I’m going to give you an opportunity to redeem yourself by answering these questions: 1. My Idaho congressman is: (a.) Larry LaRocco, (b.) That woman who’s 6 inches taller than LaRocco - without high heels, or (c.) Tom Foley. 2. Congresswoman Helen Chenoweth (hint, hint) is (a.) A Democrat, (b.) A right-wing she-devil (or “a Republican” if you’re not a Jeffersonian) or (c.) A former pin-up girl for the militia. Finally, President Bill Clinton is: (a.) A New Democrat, (b.) An Old Democrat, (c.) A Middle-aged Democrat, (d.) Depends on the day. The correct answer is (b.) in some cases. Do you want sour cream and chives with that potato?

The thunderboats aren’t sunk - yet

With promoters still dreaming of hydroplane races on Lake Coeur d’Alene, anti-hydro forces are wise to seek a binding initiative that would outlaw the thunderboats. Another advisory vote, like the one in 1985 where three of four opposed the races, won’t do. Nor can elected officials in the city or county be trusted to do the right thing when Coeur d’Alene’s power brokers apply pressure. A ballot initiative is the only way to guarantee that the public’s wishes will be obeyed. It’ll take work, though. Foes must gather about 3,000 valid signatures in Coeur d’Alene and 6,000 throughout Kootenai County to win ballot spots. But it beats waiting for the next sneak attack by pro-hydro forces.

Kootenai County has reason to growl

If the Idaho Legislature allows simulcasting of greyhound and horse races to continue, it should divvy up the handle differently. Last year, the Greyhound Park at Post Falls sent $340,000 to Boise from the simulcasting handle - $200,000 for horse purses at Les Bois Park, $70,000 for the state’s small track fund and $70,000 for a breeder’s fund. Of course, Kootenai County tourism received a significant cut of track purses, too - when the dogs were running. Now, the host county gets table scraps from simulcasting of greyhound races at other tracks but nothing from horse races. If Boise got our money during good track times, we should receive a bigger share of its cut during bad. But state Rep. Dolores Crow, R-Nampa, has a sure-fire way to resolve this inequity. She has introduced a bill that would ban simulcasting and the blood sport of greyhound racing altogether.

, DataTimes MEMO: D.F. Oliveria’s “Hot Potatoes” runs Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can comment on the items by calling (800) 344-6718 or (208) 765-7125.