Women’s League Forum — Larsen-Nonini

• Opening with Dave Larsen who gets first laugh by recounting childhood tale involving a kid named Ira, who believed in doing to others what they’d do for you … only first.
• Opening/Bob Nonini, who is seeking a 4th term: Touts legislation he led … funding for pro-tech education, aquifer protection, 20 percent property tax cut, Idaho Education Network, STAR financing …
• Bob: Balancing budget is No. 1 issue. Won’t support a tax increase. Will look for ways to help business. Idaho in good position to come out of the recession.
  
• Dave: I’m a moderate Democrat. The Legislature has become too polarized with each side voting with the rest of the members. Education is No. 1. Work in Boise needs to be done collaboratively.

• Dave: Idaho’s highways are in a condition that needs repair. Need to keep taking advantage of the federal money we’re receiving. Our highway system isn’t too bad.
• Bob: I’m not worried about current condition of Idaho’s highways and bridges. Our investment here is about $18 billion. We need to maintain what we have.
• Bob (position on Idaho’s court challenge to Obamacare): Strong supporter. It’s over-reaching and ridiculous. I had a meeting with a client re: increased cost of health care as a result of federal mandates. We are one of 26 states fighting this and I will continue to oppose (Obamacare). Everyone should have health care but it should be regulated by private industry not federal government. Private industry has learned its lesson.
  
• Dan: (Obamacare) puts more money in the market. Real question is: Who are we going to let die? We ought to have health care. (For his rebuttal: Dave talks about the quality of water … and gets chuckles from the audience.)
• Closing — Dan: Again, he discusses how tired he is of the polarization in the Legislature and uses Rodney King’s line: “Can’t we just get along.”
• Closing — Bob: I’ve run against my opponent in 2004 & 2006. He was one of the most liberal candidates before. Now, he says he’s a moderate. Will continue to fight against growing government and higher taxes.
• Nonini and Larsen don’t shake hands when the debate ends.