JF: Ruthie Johnson Wrong For Panel

Last week, the Idaho Senate confirmed Gov. Butch Otter’s reappointment of a commissioner whose qualifications for the post appear to be her longtime Republican activism, not her commitment to equal treatment for all. In fact, Ruthie Johnson of Hayden Lake was among those commissioners who voted against recommending that gays and lesbians get the same protection from discrimination in hiring, housing and the like that others have. Johnson, now 85, spent 24 years as a local staff representative of Sen. James McClure, and lately has been among those Republicans seeking to close their primary elections to all who do not publicly register as party members/ Jim Fisher , Lewiston Tribune. More here .

• Thursday 4.16 (with Tea Party roundup)/ Unequivocal Notion
• Tax day brings little change to believe in /Henry Johnston, Moscow-Pullman Daily News
• Washington’s gay marriage amendment /Randy Stapilus
• Boise Tea Party draws 2500-3000 /Idaho Values Alliance
• Minnick takes bottom-line view of health-care reform /Kevin Richert

Question: Which Republican would you rather have seen appointed to the Human Rights Commission, if you don’t support Ruthie Johnson’s reappointment?