Lewis faces Broadsword in District 2 Senate race

Rand Lewis doesn’t have political experience, but the Worley Democrat says he has experience that lends itself to politics: Experience in negotiation and conflict resolution.

“One of the key things we’re missing in Boise right now is strong leadership,” Lewis said. “The second thing we’re missing is we aren’t real good at working across the aisle to meet the needs of our constituencies. I can bring that to the floor.”

Both Lewis and Incumbent Joyce Broadsword, R-Cocolalla, say they’re hearing a consistent concern from voters in District 2, which includes the southern part of Bonner County as well as Shoshone and Benewah counties.

People are worried about the economy.

Broadsword said she’s worried about the state of the economy and how it will impact funding for state agencies and programs – and the effect closer to home.

Many of the people who live in Broadsword’s district rely heavily on the natural resources industry.

“We’re in a poor district in Idaho,” Lewis agreed. “It’s just imperative that Idahoans have an opportunity to No. 1 find employment that has reasonable wages and No. 2 they can obtain health care.”

He says he’s well-versed in a number of areas, from dealing with budgets to homeland security.

Lewis shies away from discussing his own views.

“If I do that, I’m telling everyone what I want to do instead of what my constituency wants,” he said. He pledges to spend as much time as possible before, during and after the legislative session talking to people who live in his district to find out what they want and represent their desires.

Broadsword said she also aims to address the needs and concerns of voters in her district and said that’s exactly what she’s been doing the last four years.

She said her position on the Joint Finance Appropriations Committee is helpful in addressing those concerns. She has chaired the Health and Welfare committee since her freshman year.

If re-elected, her goals include passing legislation to increase the standards for Idaho’s day cares and helping small communities get the help they need updating sewer and water systems.