Rep. Barbieri leaning against bringing new nullification bill this year

Idaho Rep. Vito Barbieri, R-Dalton Gardens, who unsuccessfully pushed legislation last year to “nullify” the federal health care reform law, now says he’s leaning toward holding off on another similar push this year. Barbieri said he’s being encouraged to propose the legislation again to take advantage of the issue’s “momentum,” but said, “Since the Supreme Court has it, I’m reticent to jump back in again. … I think we need to just hold off, cool our heels, and wait to see.” He said he’s still discussing the issue with other backers of the idea.

By the way, here’s Barbieri’s reaction to the announcement of Hayden-area businessman Mark Fisher that he’ll challenge Barbieri in this year’s GOP primary: “It’s too bad that the Republicans are divided. If he really wants to throw his time and money away to run, he should certainly be free to do that. I’m quite confident with the support I have up there that I should have no trouble winning with a substantial margin.”