Good Candidates Stand For Election

Sat., May 23, 1998

By D.F. Oliveria daveo@spokesman.com (509) 319-0354

Some have complained that this year’s race for the first open seat on the Idaho Supreme Court in 30 years is nothing more than a “beauty contest.” After all, they say, what can you tell about a candidate who’s ethically bound not to discuss issues? In a word, plenty.

Based on his expertise and experience, Boise attorney Mike Wetherell clearly is the best hopeful in the three-man field. The Spokesman-Review endorses him in his race to succeed retiring Justice Byron Johnson. We also applaud Johnson for electing to complete his term, giving the selection of his replacement to Idaho voters rather than to the usual panel of judges and attorneys.

In three other races that should be decided in primaries Tuesday, this newspaper backs Ada County Treasurer Barbara Bauer in a three-way contest to become state treasurer and endorses incumbent state Reps. Don Pischner of Coeur d’Alene and Wayne Meyer of Rathdrum in their Republican House primaries. No Democrats have filed for these posts.

Wetherell has impressive credentials for the Supreme Court. A third-generation Idahoan, he knows local government from serving on the Boise City Council for 13 years, has strong bipartisan support and is considered an expert on worker compensation law, an area that makes up 10 percent to 20 percent of the high court’s workload.

The Republican primary for treasurer offers one of the rare races in which all three candidates are qualified. Bauer, former U.S. Bank executive Trudy Jackson and Ron Crane, Senate State Affairs Committee chairman, would serve well in a job that probably should be appointive rather than elective. Bauer and Jackson have handson experience, which gives them an edge over Crane. We favor Bauer because her present job closely mirrors the duties she would have as state treasurer.

In the two local House races, Pischner and Meyer angered social conservatives last session with their votes on controversial abortion issues. However, each reflects and has represented his district well for two terms. Both are honest politicians and well-regarded by other legislators.

Pischner, the lone North Idahoan on the powerful Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee, was instrumental last session in drawing attention to a crucial U.S. Highway 95 project near Coeur d’Alene. And Meyer sponsored bills that protected the Rathdrum aquifer and allowed high school students to earn credits for taking college courses.

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