Campaign ‘98
Too Big for His Campaign Signs
Outside of photo opportunities with babies and big campaign contributions, there’s nothing a political candidate loves so much as name recognition. U.S. Rep. Mike Crapo, the favored Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, is about to lose a little of his. Turns out that at least seven of the signs Crapo workers put up in Coeur d’Alene violate city laws. They are too big. Crapo was told to trim the signs last month after numerous complaints from a variety of sources, including 13 in a single day. In fact, city sources say Crapo was given all kinds of chances to downsize his quasi-billboards. Nothing happened. So the city is going to pull ‘em down. That shouldn’t bother Crapo. After all, he keeps telling us he’s back in Washington fighting for local control.
Time Crunch
This newspaper thought of nearly everything when it hosted a debate between the candidates for U.S. Senate last week. Except a time clock. So moderator Steve Schenk, vice president at North Idaho College, borrowed a watch from star columnist Cynthia Taggart. Schenk was happy, but required a few timeouts. “Thanks to Cynthia Taggart for the watch - which I’m still learning to use,” Schenk quipped. No kidding. Somewhere in the cross fire, the watch quit working. So Schenk had to borrow from Crapo’s campaign manager. Nice watch, but only a loan, Will Hollier explained. “It’s a first anniversary present from my wife.” Alas, Schenk ended up with only our thanks. Maybe NIC will fork over a watch if he labors there until retirement.
Cowboy Fashion mavens
Out on the campaign trail, meanwhile, the footwear is turning decidedly Western. Senate candidate Mike Crapo showed up at The Spokesman-Review debate in cowboy boots - perhaps a stab at looking countrified next to city-shoe clad Democrat Bill Mauk and Natural Law Party candidate George Mansfeld. Those same, brand-new looking boots were spotted on Crapo’s feet at the Kootenai County Fair. Down at the Latah County Fair, meanwhile, Mauk and Democratic congressional candidate Dan Williams were seen sporting cowboy footwear and fresh-pressed jeans. Shucks, pard they’re all just trying to fit in.
Campaign Calendar
Silver Valley folks can meet the candidates at the United Steelworkers Hall in Kellogg Oct. 6 beginning at 6 p.m. All candidates have been invited. There’s no charge and refreshments will be served.
The Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce, meanwhile, will be host to a forum for candidates for legislative and county offices Oct. 14 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Only candidates with a challenger will be featured. The forum will be televised on the local cable access channel.