Stapilus: Partisans Didn’t Get Way

In his weekly newspaper column, Randy Stapilus of the Ridenbaugh Press discusses recall, saving the failed Coeur d’Alene recall for last. After providing background information re: how the county’s dysfunctional Republicans had inserted partisanship into nonpartisan city races, Stapilus writes: “That was the backdrop for this month’s recall effort, targeting (Mike) Kennedy, Mayor Sandi Bloem and two other council members; recall backers failed to get enough valid petition signatures to force the election. The ostensible rationale was a council upgrade (using no tax funds) of a part of the city’s waterfront, but there was much more to it. This was a partisan battle of partisan sides, and it may be the first serious Idaho recall effort (unless you count Luna’s) waged in that context. Republican state Representative Kathy Sims was one of the leading activists. Jeff Ward of the Reagan Republicans remarked in a blog post, ‘Many of us are quite disappointed that we do not have a recall campaign to wage in August or November.’ Less partisan Coeur d’Alene voters may be less disappointed.” Stapilus’ entire column here.

Thoughts?