Campaign ‘98

Conventional Wisdom I

You have to give Idaho Democrats credit for trying. They rounded up almost enough people to fill the large banquet room at Templin’s Resort for their state convention. Party leader Tony Park declared, “We are going to go out there and kick some butt.” P.S.: Demo dollars are desperately needed to help Bob Huntley’s race for governor, Park said. At nearly the exact same hour, Huntley’s Republican opponent, U.S. Sen. Dirk Kempthorne, was basking in the glow of big-bucks donors at the Spokane Club. Sounds more like a dance than a butt-kicking.

Conventional Wisdom II

The better dressed Republicans had to go to North Idaho College’s Boswell Hall to contain their enthusiasm and their numbers. Ties were common. Republican women were sometimes festooned in red, white and blue scarves and earrings, no doubt left over from the “Republican Women’s Style Show” on Thursday. But Republicans were making their own stretches. In the hallways, some talked about their party being the party of inclusion … while an all-white committee debated requiring state government to use only English.

Final blow

As if being the extreme minority in Idaho isn’t tough enough, Democrats had to cruise Lake Coeur d’Alene Thursday night in a small boat, while Republicans commandeered two of the largest boats. Nevertheless, Democrats showed they have a sense of fun. They held a Mardi Gras cruise. Republicans, no doubt, raised a satellite dish and checked their stock quotes.

Grazing for dollars

Meanwhile, back in the land of wacky logic, U.S. Sen. Dirk Kempthorne introduced a bill requiring the Air Force to compensate an Idaho rancher for losing a federal grazing lease when a bomber range is expanded. All of this time, Republicans like Kempthorne have been arguing grazing fees on federal lands are nearly worthless when agitators push Uncle Sam to increase what ranchers are charged to use the public’s range. Congressional critics say this rancher will get $250,000 for a lease that now costs $1,400 a year. Does that mean taxpayers are actually subsidizing ranchers who use public grass to feed their cows?

Bold statement

In the most surprising development in North Idaho politics this past week, Kootenai County Commission candidate Rob Beck declared he’ll make an issue of the Burlington Northern Railroad’s refueling depot. The normally recalcitrant Beck, a Democrat, faces off with Republican Ron Rankin in November. But he can easily argue he’s conservative. Two months of overwhelming public opposition does make it clear it’s OK with the masses to oppose the railroad’s depot.