Eye on Boise: Idaho Debates schedule unveiled

The Idaho Debates schedule has been announced, with six debates scheduled in October in Idaho’s top election contests.

The first matchup is Oct. 11, when the candidates for Idaho Secretary of State – incumbent Republican Lawerence Denney and Democratic challenger Jill Humble – will face off at 8:30 p.m. on Idaho Public Television. The debate will air at 8:30 p.m. in both the Mountain and Pacific time zones.

Next up is the debate for state superintendent of public instruction, in which incumbent Republican Sherri Ybarra will debate her Democratic challenger, Cindy Wilson. That debate on Oct. 12 will air at 8 p.m.

Incumbent 2nd District GOP Congressman Mike Simpson will debate his Democratic challenger, Aaron Swisher, on Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.

And the debate in the governor’s race, Idaho’s top contest this year, will take place on Oct. 15 at 8 p.m., featuring Democrat and former state Rep. Paulette Jordan of Plummer, and current GOP Lt. Gov. Brad Little. The seat is open because third-term Gov. Butch Otter isn’t seeking re-election.

The candidates for lieutenant governor will face off Oct. 17 at 8 p.m.; they are Democrat Kristin Collum and Republican Janice McGeachin.

And the candidates for the open 1st Congressional District seat – Republican Russ Fulcher and Democrat Cristina McNeil – will face off Oct. 29 at 8 p.m.

The Idaho Debates is a collaborative effort of the Idaho Press Club, Boise State University’s School of Public Service, University of Idaho’s McClure Center, Idaho State University’s Department of Political Science, League of Women Voters Education Fund, and Idaho Public Television.

In addition to the six debates, Idaho Public TV’s “Idaho Reports” will produce hour-long specials about each of the two initiatives on the November ballot. On Oct. 19 at 8 p.m., the program will examine Proposition 2, the Medicaid expansion initiative. On Oct. 26 at 8 p.m., it will look at Proposition 1, the “historical horse racing” initiative, which would authorize betting machines at Idaho racetracks.

All the debates and the two “Idaho Reports” programs will be available for viewing online after they’ve aired at idahoptv.org/elections/2018/.

Endorsements, endorsements

Among recent endorsements announced in Idaho election contests:

The Idaho Education Association has endorsed Simpson for re-election. “Congressman Simpson has continuously stepped up, year after year, as an advocate for rural schools in Idaho, most notably this year in supporting the restoration of funding for the Secure Rural Schools Act,” said IEA President Kari Overall.

The Idaho Freedom Foundation has endorsed Proposition 1, on betting machines at racetracks. “It attempts to save a sector of the economy the politicians have nearly destroyed,” wrote IFF President Wayne Hoffman. “It seeks to revive the state’s horse industry.” Tommy Ahlquist, former GOP candidate for governor, also has endorsed Proposition 1, and called on those who supported his candidacy to also back the initiative.

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen has endorsed Jordan for governor. “In today’s polarizing political atmosphere, Idaho truly has the unique opportunity for a governor ‘of the people, by the people, for the people,’ and Paulette Jordan is that candidate,” said Alan Humphries, chairman. “We cannot afford to keep doing what we have been doing,”

As reported earlier in the Idaho Press, the Idaho Sheriffs’ Association has endorsed Proposition 2, the Medicaid expansion initiative. Chris Goetz, Clearwater County sheriff and government affairs chair for the association, said, “Sheriffs voted overwhelmingly to support Proposition 2 to save taxpayers money, to keep people out of the jails, and to keep people out of the emergency room. By expanding coverage to low-income people with health issues or mental health issues, they’re more likely to contribute to society and less likely to end up back in the system.”

Otter’s pick for judgeship: Judge Judge

Idaho Gov. Butch Otter has selected an aptly named candidate to fill the 2nd District judgeship left open by the appointment of Judge John Stegner to the Idaho Supreme Court: He’s picked Moscow Magistrate John C. Judge, also known as Judge Judge.

Judge is a Moscow native and a graduate of the University of Idaho College of Law. He was in private practice before his appointment as a magistrate judge in 2008, and also previously worked as a contract attorney with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Bureau of Child Support Services.