Crapo, Simpson Making Idaho History

Amidst the noise that passes for discourse these days, the role of Idaho’s “Two Mikes” as national leaders on deficit reduction hasn’t gotten the attention it deserves. Sen. Mike Crapo and Rep. Mike Simpson are abandoning GOP orthodoxy to join hands with Democrats to find the only realistic solution: cutting entitlement spending and reforming taxes in a way that means new revenue. Crapo was a member of the 2010 deficit commission that built a framework for a lasting solution and has tirelessly sustained the effort as a member of the bipartisan “Gang of Six.” Simpson came later to the game, but his partnership with Rep. Heath Shuler, D-N.C., persuaded 100 House members last month to touch their political parties’ third rails. Wise men — from Secretary of State Ben Ysursa to political scientist Jim Weatherby — could cite no previous example of two members of Idaho’s tiny congressional delegation playing leading roles on the major issue of a generation/ Dan Popkey , Statesman. More here.

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