House hosts three former governors, one current one for ‘Idaho Day’ commemoration

The House is hosting three former Idaho governors and one current one today for its 2016 Idaho Day program, along with a representative of a fourth, as it focuses on “Idaho Governors Present and Past.” “What wonderful governors we’ve had in the history of this state,” Rep. Linden Bateman, R-Idaho Falls, told the House. “I want to pay tribute to our governors.”

Present in the House chamber are former Govs. Cecil Andrus, Dirk Kempthorne and Jim Risch and current Gov. Butch Otter; former Gov. Phil Batt, who wanted to attend but is ill, is being represented by a relative, Rep. Gayle Batt, R-Wilder. House Speaker Scott Bedke said, “Gov. Batt, if you’re listening, please get well soon.”

Bateman said, “Sixty-two years ago, as a 14-year-old kid, I attended a political rally in the civic auditorium in Idaho Falls.” Among the distinguished officials on the stage were a U.S. senator, members of Congress and state lawmakers. “Following the meeting, this 14-year-old kid had the audacity to go up on the stage and try to talk to these people,” Bateman said. “I remember so many of them kind of brushed me aside, said, ‘What’s this kid doing here?’ I finally found myself face to face with Gov. Robert Smylie.”

“He took time,” Bateman said. Holding up a yellowed piece of paper preserved in plastic, he said, “He signed this autograph in 1954, which I treasure. … I’m inspired by Gov. Smylie and all of our governors. … That’s the whole purpose of Idaho Day, to gain inspiration for our own lives.”

Forty years ago, Bateman said, “I was elected to this body. Shortly after arriving here I met Gov. Smylie, and I told him this story. And a few days later this picture appeared on my desk signed by Gov. Smylie. He said, ‘We need to pay attention to the children.’ … Pay attention to the children, for they will remember.”