Campaign ‘98

Pete for gov?

Talk about firing back at back talk.

Secretary of State Pete Cenarrusa didn’t take kindly to accusations this past week from his Democratic opponent Jerry Seiffert that Cenarrusa will resign after the election and appoint his deputy, Ben Ysursa to the post. “I am in excellent health,” the 80-year-old Cenarrusa fired back. “I plan to work out my full term. And then after that I may run for governor.” As for you, Jerry?

Al for press secretary

This week’s notable accomplishment from Idaho Attorney General Al Lance was issuing a press release noting he’s kept a promise to visit all 44 counties during the past four years and hold meetings with county officials. That’s no surprise. Lance is running for re-election. And Lance issues a press release for nearly every event in the state that has even a remote connection to his office. If this stuff came in the mail, we’d call this fax blizzard franking. Kind of like the stuff we get from Congress.

Inhaled it, repented for it, outlawed it

‘Tis the season for admissions. Mike Simpson, Republican candidate for southern Idaho’s congressional seat, acknowledged during a radio interview Wednesday he had not only smoked pot during the ‘60s, he had inhaled. Now his campaign workers are defending him by noting his tough stand against illegal drugs while in the Legislature. That seems unrelated, but what’s with the pot question already? Will we next raise questions about childhood fights on the elementary school playground?

Profitable testimony?

Hearing fever continues to rage through the nation’s capital, and - surprise - it’s not all about Bill and Monica’s not-so-excellent adventures. U.S. Sen. Dirk Kempthorne, who expects to waltz easily into the Idaho governor’s office over Democratic opponent Bob Huntley, convened one such hearing this past week. The topic: using new turbines to save salmon instead of breaching dams, as Huntley suggests. And the star witness at the Kempthorne hearing? Oh, just a guy by the name of Richard Fisher of Voith Hydro - the outfit developing these supposed salmon-saving turbines and the outfit that stands to profit the most if that’s the government choice for fish salvation.

Campaign calendar

Democrats chow down Tuesday at Mad Mary’s Restaurant in Coeur d’Alene. The event, $10 a person, features Thai, American and Cajun food.

There also is a no-host bar. Proceeds go to the Kootenai County Democratic Party. This replaces the traditional spaghetti feed.

Thursday, state Controller J.D. Williams will debate his Republican challenger, Ron Pollock, at 7:30 p.m. on Idaho Public Television.

It’s part of the Idaho Debates, a series of political debates co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters and the Idaho Press Club, and televised statewide.

Lt. Gov. Butch Otter and Democratic challenger Sue Reents debate at 8 p.m. Friday.

U.S. Senate candidates Bill Mauk and Mike Crapo will face off Saturday, at 7 p.m.

There are more such televised debates in the coming weeks on Idaho Public Television.

Candidates for state superintendent of schools will face off Oct. 19; attorney general, Oct. 20; governor, Oct. 22; and for the 1st District congressional seat, Oct. 23.