Economy, education highlight Idaho gubernatorial debate

Democratic challenger A.J. Balukoff attacked Gov. Butch Otter’s record on school achievement and economic growth during today’s debate in Coeur d’Alene, saying both have suffered during the Republican incumbent’s two terms in office. “Governor, under your watch we are second to last in the nation in school spending,” said Balukoff, a longtime chairman of the Boise School Board and prominent businessman. Balukoff blamed Idaho’s low-wage economy on its lack of educational investment. Inadequate school spending, he said, “shows up in our results.” Too few high-school graduates go on to college or workforce training and many workers struggle to earn a living wage, Balukoff said. Otter, who is seeking a third term as governor, defended Idaho’s performance in public education and job growth. The state may rank 49th in overall school spending, but it’s fourth in the nation for the proportion of state general fund dollars spent on public education, Otter said. He said Idaho’s eighth graders outperform students in other states on math and reading tests, showing that “we’re spending (our money) smarter than other states.” And Idaho’s teachers earn an average of $51,000, which compares favorably with teacher salaries in other states, Otter said. He also touted the state’s 4.7 percent unemployment rate, saying that Idaho’s job growth is helping lead the nation out of the recession. The debate was the first between the two men, and also featured Libertarian Party candidate John Bujak and an independent candidate, who legally changed his name to Pro-life.