Popkey: Has Butch Lost His Groove?

I never imagined saying this, but here it is: Gov. Butch Otter looks dated, self-satisfied and spooked about taking risks. Perhaps that’s a predictable posture in days of uncertainty. He asks voters this year to re-elect him to the job he’s wanted since childhood. Playing it safe is conventional strategy. Otter used to be refreshingly unpredictable. From his sympathy for decriminalizing pot in the ‘70s to casting one of three Republican votes against the Patriot Act in the 2000s, he was daring and principled. Now he sounds disconnected and wimpy. On Tuesday, he called the 2010 Legislature “stellar.” Its No. 1 accomplishment? Balancing the budget - as if lawmakers could ignore the Idaho Constitution’s imposition of that fiscal restraint/ Dan Popkey , Idaho Statesman. More here .

Question: What do you think? Has Gov. Butch Otter lost his edge … er … groove?