Tea Party: Otter was ‘happy as a clam’ to speak in Spokane

Here’s a link to my full story in today’s Spokesman-Review on Idaho Gov. Butch Otter’s top billing at the Tea Party of Spokane first-anniversary celebration and rally this Thursday. “He was happy as a clam – he was just absolutely stoked,” said Kirk Smith, vice president and spokesman for Tea Party of Spokane, on Otter’s reaction to the invite.

Otter’s primary election opponents had varying responses. Rex Rammell, who’s been on national TV twice in the last three weeks talking about his support for the militia movement, accused Otter of trying to steal his platform. “Now that he’s up for re-election, he’s Mr. States’ Rights,” Rammell said. Sharon Ullman, an Ada County commissioner, said, “He’s certainly welcome to go do whatever he wants,” adding with a laugh that the speaking gig means Otter won’t be campaigning in Idaho that afternoon.