Spite Replaces Good Government

Now let’s see if we understand this correctly: For 52 of the 57 Republican members of the Idaho House of Representatives, poking a finger in the eye of opposition Democrats is more important than helping disabled children with special needs get access to early intervention services. A Senate-passed bill to do that failed 52-15 in the House on Wednesday in retaliation for Democrats’ stalling tactics as the Legislature nears adjournment. Republicans acknowledge that the sole reason it didn’t pass was because the legislation’s sponsor, Rep. Phylis King of Boise (pictured), has a “D” behind her name/ Twin Falls Times-News . More here.

Question: Which side is more to blame for the slowdown in the Idaho Legislature — the Republicans, who refuse to give a hearing to two bills important to Democrats, or the Democrats for forcing the Legislature to read entire bills for severa days now?