Campaign ‘98
Genuine boldness
This week’s award unabashedly goes to Larry Belmont, a Democrat making that hard run at a North Idaho legislative seat held by, gasp, a Republican. Belmont stuck out his neck twice: Once to say the area’s drinking water is more important than railroad refueling depots. Even bolder, he told EPA bashers to take a hike. Right or wrong, it’s different. A wanna-be politician with a firm position on controversial topics.
Belated boldness
Five months after word first surfaced that the neo-Nazis were planning a parade in North Idaho, U.S. Sen. Dirk Kempthorne issued a press release condemning the parade. Apparently that’s the average time it takes a pollster to determine that it’s OK for a gubernatorial candidate to take such a bold stand? Even better were the senator’s lines about “media hype surrounding the march only encourages headline-seeking malcontents.” Thank goodness the good senator recognizes the error of people merely seeking headlines for their own gain. We will assume he had no such headline-grabbing intentions earlier in the week with his press release announcing “Kempthorne Saves Agricultural Program.” How does a single senator do something that required a vote of other senators?
Bragging boldness
Meanwhile, back in Boise, U.S. Senate candidate and Democrat Bill Mauk issued an equally long message. He was decrying a news story accusing the state Democratic and Republican parties of sidestepping a call for decisive action to end Idaho’s hatemongering reputation. Mauk even cites a resolution from the Idaho Democratic Party embracing the state’s diversity (98 percent white in Bonner County, Bill) and claiming his party isn’t “shy or evasive when it comes to supporting civil rights and human rights.” Which must be why Mauk and nearly every other politician in Idaho, except Phil Batt and Steve Judy, had to be prodded to take a stand on this weekend’s Aryan Parade.
Get ‘em, Dan-O
Give Dan Williams credit for coming to North Idaho to participate in the anti-Ayran caravan and rally Saturday. The Democratic candidate for U.S. House of Representatives at least is participating in the anti-hate efforts. But get the man a set of new campaign slogans. He’s now reissuing releases to remind people that his opponent, Helen Chenoweth, isn’t responding to his challenges. Eventually, we look forward to a campaign about Dan Williams instead of one strictly against Helen Chenoweth. Remember, Dan, failed political strategies, like rancid butter, don’t get better with time.
Calendar
The Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Committee will present its annual Summer Education Day, July 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It will be held at the North Idaho College Library, Todd Lecture Hall. The title is “Growth and Its Effect on Our Community.” The public is invited.