The MountainGoat Report

Rammell's Woes

Found in the comments to the Standard Journal article reporting that Rex Rammell, former U.S. Senate candidate and recently announced candidate for governor in 2010, has filed for bankruptcy protection:

Sick of Rex wrote on May 30, 2009 2:01 PM:

"This is when you have taken it too far. When you are on the verge of loosing everything over revenge and puting the well-being of your family in jepoardy that is when it is time to hang it up. The people of Idaho have already showed him we don't want him in public office. Once in the primaries and then later when he ran as an "independent" in the general elections. Seriously cut your losses and grant forgiveness instead of completely destroying your reputation, future, and children's futures."

In the article Rammell says about his gubernatorial candidacy, "If I lose this, then the era of Rammell in politics will come to an end.  All Idaho has to do is send me a message that I am not the right guy and I will gracefully bow out."  Rammell also responds to criticism that his campaigns are really about seeking revenge for killing his elk, "I would have to be 100 percent insane to seek revenge in this manner."

Indeed and I'm not sure anything Rammell has done could be considered graceful.  This might be a first.

Rammell launched a senatorial campaign that most Idahoans agree was based on "that guy shot my elk" and now a gubernatorial campaign based on "that guy wants to raise my taxes," suggesting he knows what "needs to be fixed" and can prevent economic collapse, meanwhile his personal finances are in shambles.  Without taking responsibility for his own poor decisions he couches himself as a victim of an overzealous government and then inexplicably cloaks himself in the motto "Courage, Honor, Integrity." 

Rex Rammell would have us believe that his woes are the fault of broken and misguided government and that his is some sort of Cinderella story.  He is delusional if he thinks Idahoans are buying it.

Watching the Results

Polls will close in southern Idaho in just about half an hour; northern Idaho an hour longer.  What's an anonymous blogger to do on the biggest election night in my lifetime?  Well, my sister's coming over, we're popping corn and watching the results come in.  I'll have some observations and reactions in the comments here.  If you're one of the few staying home tonight too, or if you're checking in from one of the various parties around the state, drop in and say hi.

I don't expect we'll have the results of the Minnick/Sali race until sometime tomorrow morning but I'll also be watching closely the Senate race, state legislative races, especially Canyon and Ada counties, various national senate and house races and of course the presidential race--all of this for as long as I can manage to stay awake tonight.  Don't expect anything of especially great wisdom or import as adult beverages will be consumed as well.

Happy election-return watching!

Risch's Apocalypse

Seems LtGov Jim Risch is running a little scared and is apparently hoping to scare voters as well.  While skipping Idaho's U.S. Senate candidate debate held last night as part of the thirty-years-running, prestigious "Idaho Debates" (featuring all four of the other candidates:  Democrat Larry LaRocco, Independent Rex Rammell, Libertarian Kent Marmon and Independent Pro-Life), the Republican Risch did manage to "squeeze in" some time to make another, albeit solo, appearance the day before.

Wednesday, he spent twenty-some minutes as a guest on shock-jock Zeb Bell's ultra-conservative talk radio show "Zeb at the Ranch" broadcast on KBAR in the Magic Valley.  In closing the interview, Risch used a little fear mongering trying to wrangle Zeb's listeners, who have been very negative and highly critical of Risch, into submission by throwing around guarantees of apocalypse and "scary" words like liberal.

People in Idaho have a very clear choice between a conservative Republican and a liberal Democrat running for this seat.  I know there's three Independents in the race who want votes but if you do, those three people pull votes from me.  A vote for one of them is a vote for liberal Larry LaRocco and it is absolutely critical that we put a Republican Senator into the United States Senate.  If we don't, and Obama gets elected president, I guarantee you life is going to be different in America and very different from what you and I grew up in.  And that's not a good thing.

— LtGov Jim Risch, "Zeb at the Ranch," 10.22.08

And, yes, the tone he used was that of a preacher foretelling the last days.

Senate Debate Live Blog at RSR

Catch a live blog of the U.S. Senate debate being held in Lewiston tonight over at Red State Rebels.  It will be the fifth meeting for Democrat Larry LaRocco and Independent Rex Rammell, but this debate will include GOP candidate Jim Risch for the first time.  Oughta be a good one.

Head on over to RSR for the live blog tonight and we'll post a video update (or links to it) when it's available.

Update:  Here's a link to the KLEW video from the debate.

GMA's 50 State Tour Hits Idaho

The Idaho U.S. Senate race was featured on Good Morning America this morning.  Billed as "an old fashioned tale right out of the wild West" it highlights the conflict between Republican-turned-Independent candidate Rex Rammell and GOP candidate Jim Risch over the shooting of Rammell's escaped elk in 2006, ordered by then-governor Risch, and what that might mean for Democratic candidate Larry LaRocco.

Check out the video here.

Senate Debate Tonight

The third U.S. Senate debate will be held tonight in Caldwell.  Four of the five candidates running for the seat are scheduled to participate including, Democratic candidate Larry LaRocco, Independent candidate Rex Rammell, Libertarian candidate Kent Marmon and “Pro-Life” Marvin Richardson.  The hour-long debate will be held at the College of Idaho's Jewett Auditorium beginning at 6 p.m. Pacific, 7 p.m. Mountain.

The debate is being sponsored by the College of Idaho Young Democrats with Political Economy professor Jasper LiCalzi moderating.  The event is open to the general public so if you are in the area, plan to attend in person.  If you can't make it, don't worry.  As in the other debates, this one will be streamed live on the internet and we'll have the feed and chat here at MGR.  You can also submit questions in advance here.

The debate has concluded; I'll post the video replay once it's available.

Here's a link to the video replay.

Second Senate Debate Tonight

Tune in here tonight at 5:00 Pacific 6:00 Mountain time for the second U.S. Senate debate between Democrat Larry LaRocco and Independent Rex Rammell.  As in the first debate, Republican Jim Risch has yet to respond to the invitation to participate.

The hour-long debate will be streamed live over the internet from Sandpoint and moderated by North Idaho College Political Science Professor Tony Stewart.  You'll be able to watch and participate in the chat here at MGR.

Update:  The debate has concluded but here's a video replay in case you missed it:

First LaRocco and Rammell Debate

If you haven't heard yet, tonight at 7:30 Mountain, 6:30 Pacific time, U.S. Senate candidates, Democrat Larry LaRocco and Independent Rex Rammell, will engage in their first of several debates to be held around Idaho.

Tonight's debate will be the first Idaho debate to be held live on the internet.  Although the GOP candidate, Jim Risch, has so far declined to participate, this debate in this format (viewers will be able to ask questions live as the debate happens) should be interesting.

Tune in to watch the debate here:
Ask questions and participate in the chat here:

Update:  Debate and chat have concluded but in case you missed any of it, here's video:

LaRocco on Huckleberries

Democratic Senate candidate Larry LaRocco will participate in a live interview at the Huckleberries Online blog today beginning at 10:30 Pacific, 11:30 Mountain time.

Tune in here.  Links to the interview will be posted as they are available.

-----

First set of questions (1-5 on the GOP attacks) here.

Questions 6-10 here.

Questions 11-15 here.

Has Risch Lost Talk Radio?

There's been quite a bit of talk recently among the blogs and mainstream media* surrounding Jim Risch (the GOP nominee for Idaho's U.S. Senate seat now held by Larry Craig), and his disdain for bloggers, particularly those he considers "left-wing hate mongers," even though the issue of blogging and new technology first surfaced in the campaign ten months ago, thanks to reporting by Jill Kuraitis at New West and others.

The catalyst behind the recent hullabaloo was a hilarious, cleverly doctored video showing Risch with a gnome cap and a high pitched voice (the angry gnome) complaining about blogs, edited by Serephin at 43rd State Blues.

Now, through local talk radio, long a staple in the diet of red-thinking Idahoans, we find that apparently Risch's problems extend beyond the "left-wing hate mongers."  Monday on local shock jock Zeb Bell's "Zeb at the Ranch," broadcast on KBAR in the Magic Valley, guest host and Albion city councilwoman, Sharon Hardy-Mills, and an unidentified caller discuss in no uncertain terms what they think of Jim Risch.

Take a listen:

Granted, one caller and one talk show doesn't encompass the entire talk radio world but if Risch has lost talk radio listeners in one of the most conservative areas in Idaho, what does he have left?  With Democrat Larry LaRocco hard at work and Independent Rex Rammell barking at his heels, it appears, not much.

*Blogs and media talking about the Risch/bloggers story [let me know if I've missed anything]:

• KBCI, local CBS affiliate - highlights include interviews with a local blogger and online reporter.
• Commentary: Kevin Richert at the Idaho Statesman
• Ridenbaugh Press
• Red State Rebels
• the unequivocal notion
• Adam's Blog

LaRocco on Change

Check out the first TV ad Larry LaRocco will run in his campaign for Idaho's U.S. Senate seat.

You can also see other campaign video clips here.

Never Kick a Pit Bull

Rex Rammell, independent candidate for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Idaho Senator Larry Craig, was a guest yesterday on Zeb Bell's radio show, Zeb at the Ranch, broadcast on KBAR in the Magic Valley and Mini-Cassia area.

Listen as Rammell discusses his reasons for running, energy policy, GOP opponent Jim Risch, Idaho Fish and Game, immigration and Iraq.

Segment runs about 14:25

Pro-Life Tells All

If you haven't yet read Nathaniel Hoffman's exposé in Boise Weekly on the paradox that is Idaho's Mr (no period) Pro-Life, Independent candidate for U.S. Senate, you should.  It's chock full of revelatory gems, some of which you'll wish you had read after dinner or at the very least, swallowed first (trust me on this). 

On his first wife:

"She had a psychiatrist who said because I didn't trust the water system, the school system, the government, I was paranoid," he said. "I had a psychiatrist who said her psychiatrist was stupid."

Paranoia or stupidity, either way she lasted long enough to bear him seven children.

Sufficiently enticed and appropriately warned, now go enjoy.

LaRocco: Too Great To Waste

With news that the shipment of 6,700 tons of contaminated Kuwaiti sand is already arriving at the commercial hazardous waste site in Grandview and that in the last several years, the American Ecology facility accepted over a million tons of radioactive and other waste, Democratic Senate candidate Larry LaRocco has started a letter writing campaign.

He's asking Gov Butch Otter and LtGov Jim Risch to keep Idaho from becoming the world's hazardous waste dump, risking our health and environment for millions in corporate profits, and he's asking Idahoans to join him.

Read and sign LaRocco's letter here.

LaRocco Asks Otter and Risch to Stop It

Democratic Senate candidate, former Congressman Larry LaRocco, is asking Idaho's top elected officials to stop contaminated Kuwaiti sand from entering the state, saying in hand-delivered letters, "Let’s not turn Idaho into the world’s dump."

From the LaRocco for Senate campaign:

On Monday, U.S. Senate candidate Larry LaRocco asked Gov. C.L. (Butch) Otter and Lt. Gov. Jim Risch to stop 150 rail cars loaded with radioactive sand from entering Idaho. His staff hand delivered letters to each man’s office.

"I am asking you to stop this dangerous shipment of radioactive material bound for Idaho, for the sake of a clean environment, for the sake of precedent and for the safety of our children," LaRocco writes.

The Kuwaiti desert is a better place for the sand, which contains lead and depleted uranium.

"Accepting this waste in the United States is poor public policy and environmentally unsound for Idaho," LaRocco writes. "Let’s not turn Idaho into the world’s dump."

LaRocco also notes past leaders, former Gov. Cecil Andrus and former Gov. Phil Batt, took firm stances against bringing hazardous materials to Idaho. He urged Risch to put aside partisanship and follow their examples.

"Let’s stop this now," LaRocco writes. "It’s time for sound public policy to trump powerful special interests that hold sway over Idaho."

LaRocco awaits a response.

LaRocco to Risch: Give Back Your Oily Money

From the LaRocco for Senate campaign:

U.S. Senate candidate Larry LaRocco is calling on his likely Republican opponent to give back the big bucks oil companies have funneled into his campaign.

"Oil companies know I will ask tough questions on our failed energy policy," said LaRocco, a former Congressman. "They had to look somewhere else for a new friend to carry their water."

Jim Risch’s campaign finance disclosure report shows he is the go-to-guy for out-of-state special interests, raking in $292,000. Of that, Chevron pitched in $1,000 and Exxon Mobil added another $1,000.

Oil is at an all-time record high of $120 a barrel. At the pumps, gasoline is $3.50 a gallon and diesel is $4.30, sparking trucker protests at the nation’s capitol. With summer driving season nearly upon us, some Idaho families won’t be able to afford trips down their driveways.

"Hard working Idahoans have been forgotten back in Washington, D.C.—something that is obvious every time they fill up their gas tanks," LaRocco said.

Risch is poised to follow Sen. Larry Craig who refused to fund rural schools and roads last fall, as part of an energy bill, because he didn’t want to cut $18 billion in oil company tax breaks—this at a time when Exxon Mobil alone reported a record $40.6 billion in earnings in 2007.

LaRocco offers bold ideas for ending our nation’s reliance on foreign oil. He proposes investments in alternative fuels that could mean thousands of new high paying jobs for Idaho. Risch has offered no new ideas. Find LaRocco’s ideas about energy independence here.

LaRocco: Empty Talk, Empty Gas Tanks

From the LaRocco for Senate campaign:

Former Congressman and U.S. Senate candidate Larry LaRocco has real ideas to solve America’s real energy needs. Republican Jim Risch has real talk—and nothing else.

LaRocco offers a thoughtful vision for energy policy:  "I support tax incentives for efficiency and alternative energy. I believe the government should help fund research and development of alternative energy technology. Energy independence will create thousands of new jobs while stabilizing our economy, reducing the threat of global warming and increasing our national security."

Spending $300 billion on smart energy programs (about half of what Congress has allocated to the Iraq War so far) would cause our nation’s GDP to jump by $1.4 trillion over 10 years, according to an Apollo Alliance study. That would bring 14,000 new jobs to Idaho.

Risch’s deep thoughts?

"Risch says the nation 'desperately' needs a comprehensive energy plan, and he'd like a seat in determining energy policy," writes Kevin Richert of the Idaho Statesman.

He’s right. Our country needs a good plan. But Risch’s website is mum on the topic, offering a few pithy sound-bites instead of real ideas.

He is more interested in picking drapes for a Senate office where he hopes to plot with peers such as Vice President Dick Cheney—the man who met secretly with oil company pals to craft an energy strategy that has brought Idahoans $3.50 per gallon gasoline.

Unlikely Confrere

Why does longtime conservative activist Dennis Mansfield think this may be Larry LaRocco's year?  Hint:  it has something to do with Odysseus, Helen Chenoweth and Bill Sali.

Read it here.

Risch's Stubborn Mistake

Seems fact are stubborn things, at least for Republican Senate candidate Jim Risch.  Senate Guru caught Risch trying to hi-jack a Ronald Reagan quote to explain his arrogance after releasing his 1st quarter fundraising numbers.  Only problem was, he got it all wrong.

Check it out here.

LaRocco Releases Fundraising Numbers

The LaRocco for Senate campaign has released a statement noting that the Democrat has raised close to $200,000 in fundraising for the 1st quarter, with a significant number of in-state contributors.

Here's LaRocco's press release:

Boise, Idaho - U.S. Senate candidate Larry LaRocco raised money at a fast clip this year, with hard working Idahoans pushing the campaign to more than $550,000 in contributions.

Former U.S. Rep. LaRocco filed his first quarter 2008 FEC report today.  LaRocco raised $196,607 since January, bringing his total to $550,354.  The vast majority of contributions came from Idaho households who have heard LaRocco's call for change and know he won't forget their families when he is representing them in Washington, DC.  Idaho families made up 68% first quarter household contributions.

• 1st quarter Idaho households - 506 contributions
• 1st quarter total households - 746 contributions

"Our total fundraising capacity has increased since we entered this race last year.  We have increased our fundraising levels every quarter.  Our percentage of Idaho contributors has increased," LaRocco's Campaign Manager Bob Stout said.  "We have raised $550,000 so far this election with more than 1000 Idaho households contributing to Larry LaRocco's vision for change and to secure Idaho's future.  We raised $200,000 this quarter alone.  This extraordinary momentum allows us to fight for the forgotten Idahoan whose real issues have been misrepresented by status quo politics of Washington, DC and the current leadership in Idaho."

LaRocco on Health Care

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, Larry LaRocco, will unveil the extensive health care plan he has developed in Twin Falls tomorrow.  The plan can be found on his website and addresses all facets of the currently failing health care system, including preventative care, insurance, nursing shortages, physician training and new technologies, among others.

Here is LaRocco's "Vision for Idaho and America's Health Care Solutions" statement:

Boise, Idaho - Former Congressman and U.S. Senate candidate Larry LaRocco will release his vision for health care in Idaho and America tomorrow, in Twin Falls.  LaRocco offers a refreshing vision for Idaho that is founded on the principle of change, real change.

"All Idahoans and all Americans should have access to affordable quality health care.  But right now, nearly 47 million Americans - more than 15% of the population - are without health insurance.  Nearly eight out of 10 of these uninsured people come from working families.  A 2001 study by Boise State University found that nearly 20% of Idahoans were without health insurance and more than 40% of these families came from rural areas. We must commit ourselves to provide quality affordable health care to all families in Idaho.  There are two main parts to this important job:  fixing the health insurance system, and increasing the quality and availability of health care itself.  There are some very practical ways to tackle these problems, and I am determined to push ahead on both fronts."

LaRocco: Risch Doesn't Get It

This just in from the LaRocco for Senate campaign:

Today, Former Congressman and U.S. Senate Candidate Larry LaRocco said Jim Risch spends too much time in Washington, D.C. at fundraisers and not enough time with Idaho's working families.  "Jim Risch has forgotten Idaho families and he's out of touch with the economic injustices working families deal with each day," LaRocco said.

On January 18, 2008, during a speech in Lewiston Risch predicted, “A soft landing in the second quarter of this year, or the third quarter at latest.”  However, recently released Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data do not support Risch's rosy forecast.  The U.S. economy lost between 76,000 and 80,000 jobs every month since January 2008 with 232,000 total jobs disappearing this year.  During March 2008 alone, 434,000 more Americans became unemployed.  In Idaho the unemployment rate is growing as well.

"I will fight for Idahoans who have been forgotten by the current crop of politicians.  We need to put the Congress and the government on the side of working families who have been abandoned by leaders like Risch who only respond to the most wealthy and powerful," LaRocco said.

LaRocco Opens Field Office in Twin Falls

This from the LaRocco for Senate campaign:

Former Congressman and Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, Larry LaRocco, will be in Twin Falls, Monday, March 31st, to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house for the new Twin Falls County field office from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., located at 184 Gooding St W in Twin Falls, hosted by the Twin Falls Chamber of Commerce.

Come out and join Larry for some great conversation, refreshments, and hors d'oeuvres.  LaRocco will give an update on the current momentum of the campaign and personally address your questions and concerns about Idaho’s future.

“Idahoans have had enough,” LaRocco said.  “They’re tired of politics as usual.  They want leadership that focuses on the issues – how we responsibly get out of Iraq, how we work toward energy independence, how we help people keep their homes, and how we help the tens of thousands of working Idahoans who can’t see a doctor or get health insurance.”

Please call 208-345-5678 to RSVP or for more information.

LaRocco Releases 4th Quarter Numbers

Maybe Jim Risch, anointed by Idaho's GOP as replacement for Senator Larry Craig (who is still making news), has good reason to be sending out desperate fundraising letters.  Democratic candidate Larry LaRocco just released his preliminary fundraising totals for the fourth quarter ending December 31, 2007.  The numbers look strong and it appears that individuals are contributing at a clip of better than 6 to 1 over the amount coming in from PACs.

From the LaRocco campaign:   

In releasing the totals LaRocco said, "My fundraising has steadily picked up since I announced on April 11.  Each quarter since my announcement has been greater than the previous quarter. My total raised for 2007 is approximately $353,000 and I raised approximately $165,000 in the fourth quarter.  I am proud that the bulk of my 1232 contributors are from Idaho.  I have a healthy cash on hand total and I expect the fundraising momentum to continue as the call for a new direction in Washington, DC grows louder."

4th quarter fundraising total = $165,000
3rd quarter fundraising total =   107,000
2nd quarter fundraising total =    81,000
2007 Total  =  $353,000

Total contributors for 2007 = 1232
Idaho Contributors = 741
Other contributors =  491

Idaho contributors - 4th quarter = 199

All other contributors - 4th quarter = 237
Total contributors - 4th quarter = 436

Cash on hand 12/31 = $172,000

PAC -  2007 = $55,300

PAC - 4th Quarter = $26,800

Desperate Jim Risch, Part II

According to Idaho Democratic Senate candidate, Larry LaRocco, Jim Risch has sent out another desperate fundraising letter [pdf] which includes an appeal from Gov. Butch Otter and Risch's hilarious opening line, "Liberal Democrats Are Plotting to Steal This U.S. Senate Seat."

The letter goes on in the same strangely desperate fashion as the previous fundraising letter and includes curious baseball references and something about his being a target that makes him "breakout into a huge smile."  It also again touts his strong-arming the state legislature into special session as temporary governor in '06 to pass a tax increase on average Idahoans which he disguised as property tax relief. 

Maybe some people enjoy being frightened into sending a candidate money but I have to believe that Idahoans are smarter than that.

LaRocco's release also notes that Senator Larry Craig has been speaking at fundraisers on behalf of Jim Risch, something "mysteriously" omitted from Risch's solicitation letter.  Here's the entire LaRocco release:

Today, Larry LaRocco, Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, released Jim Risch’s most recent fundraising letter to Idahoans admitting Risch is fearful he will lose in 2008.  Risch recently sent out a nationwide fundraising appeal and this is the second fundraising letter subsequent to holding two fundraisers in Washington, D.C.

“Jim Risch has had Larry Craig appear and speak at two of his Washington, D.C. fundraisers and endorse him, but he fails to mention this endorsement to Idahoans.  Why is that?“  LaRocco asked.

In a frantic sounding 8 page fundraising letter to Idahoans, Jim Risch stated how he is fearful of losing his bid for the U.S. Senate in Idaho in November. 

“Jim Risch’s letter is proof positive the 2008 U.S. Senate race in Idaho is wide open.  Jim Risch’s own words state his fear and worry over the outcome of this race.  He has every reason to be concerned.  Idahoans are ready for a new direction and want a replacement for Larry Craig who will work across party lines to solve problems in Idaho and in our nation,” LaRocco said.

“When I am elected to the U.S. Senate my service in the U.S. House of Representatives will be counted towards my seniority in the U.S. Senate and I will be a member of the majority party.  Jim Risch’s failure to pledge to working across the aisle as I have done is a major omission in his commitment to the people of Idaho,” LaRocco said.

“Jim Risch continues to peddle fear and hype instead of hope and optimism. Two-thirds (almost 1,000) of my contributors are from Idaho and I am proud of my broad based support from Idahoans who want to chart a new direction for Idaho and our country,” LaRocco said.

That's Risch

According to these poll findings posted by Serephin at 43rd State Blues, apparently Idahoans know LtGov Jim Risch and aren't so sure they like him.  They also suggest that Idahoans are in the mood for change which can't be good news for Republicans in a state currently controlled at every level by the GOP.  Certainly, recent local scandals as well as national sentiment are likely contributors but of particular interest from the findings is this:

Jim Risch is not as strong as conventional wisdom dictates and Democrat Larry LaRocco is rated as popular. Asked to rate their feelings toward some people and organizations using a scale from 0-100, voters rate Risch a “56,” compared to LaRocco who scores a “57.” Despite his years as State Senate President Pro Tempore, and five years as Lt. Governor (including six months as Governor), the supposed Republican frontrunner has no advantage.

That's a sharp blow to LtGov Risch, who defeated Larry LaRocco for the office by 19 percent in November 2006, and may help explain his desperate fundraising letter.  At every opportunity, and this letter was no different, Risch touts his record on cutting taxes.  But perhaps after a year living with the "Risch Tax Cut," average Idahoans have concluded the same thing many were saying in Aug of '06.  That then-Gov Risch's strong-arm tactics forcing the Legislature into special session to consider his "emergency" tax relief measure, actually amounted to a tax increase for average Idahoans.

Many reports and analyses were available at the time, but one furnished to legislators by the Idaho Tax Commission was included in the Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee's Draft White Paper [pdf].  It concluded that the $260 million decrease in property tax and the $210 million increase in sales tax netted Idahoans a combined tax relief of $27 million.

It further calculated the tax relief by taxpayer status as shown in this chart.  The added highlights show the groups (and the amounts for each) that would actually see a net increase in taxation with this scheme.

Primary residential homeowners plus renters, it calculated, would see a combined tax increase of $22 million while other residential (including vacation and second homes) plus commercial and industrial property would enjoy a tax decrease of $40 million.  If the average household income was $47,526 (also furnished to legislators), into which group would the average Idahoan fall?

This information was available to legislators, and no doubt there were conflicting studies, but there is no dispute that many Idahoans, most of whom could least afford it, would see a tax increase with this legislation.  Many legislators and groups pointed out the inequities and attempted to introduce alternatives that would have addressed the problems, none of which were allowed.

Risch's coup de grâce, though, came with the wording of the Advisory Vote, to be placed on the general election ballot:

"Should the State of Idaho keep the property tax relief adopted in August 2006, reducing property taxes by approximately $260 million and protecting funding for public schools by keeping the sales tax at 6%?"

Economist Judith L. Brown said, describing the advisory question, "Basically, in language that is so flawed as to be deceptive, the advisory vote asks if voters approve or disapprove of the actions taken by the legislature at the Aug. 25 special session." 

So, with deceptive wording and dubious promises of tax relief, the advisory was agreed to by 73% of voters.  Are Idahoans undergoing a little buyer's remorse now?  That's hard to say.  One thing is for sure:  Idahoans hate finding out they've been deceived.

What's in a Letter

Two former Idaho Governors, two campaign letters, two distinct styles.  One plays on the hopes of Idahoans, the other plays on the fears of Idahoans.

For the full effect, read both letters but here's just a little bit of each.  You decide:  Is this letter from Gov. Cecil Andrus more effective

or is this one from LtGov. Jim Risch?

If I'm Larry LaRocco, I'd take that endorsement from Gov. Andrus any day.

High Flier

Idaho 2008 Senate candidate, Democrat Larry LaRocco, makes his campaign ad debut on YouTube today with an ad contrasting his campaign style with that of GOP candidate Jim Risch.  The ad features the recent news that Risch's campaign ponied up $12,000 to jet around Idaho making his Senatorial bid announcement. 

Check it out.

LaRocco: Just Say No

This press release from Larry LaRocco, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, has already been posted by Serephin at 43rd State Blues but it bears repeating, especially in light of technologically deficient Jim Risch's penchant for jetting around the state with these characters for campaign photo-ops.

LaRocco Says No to Corporate Aircraft for Personal or Campaign Use
Calls on Risch and Rammell to Join Him and for Risch to Disclose Costs of Recent Corporate Aircraft He Used

Boise — Larry LaRocco, Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, today pledged to Idahoans he would never use corporate aircraft for personal or campaign purposes while a candidate or while serving in the U.S. Senate.

LaRocco called on GOP candidates Jim Risch and Rex Rammell to join him in this pledge to Idahoans.

Additionally, LaRocco called on Jim Risch to disclose the cost and date of reimbursement for his recent use of a luxury Lear 45 jet aircraft owned by Melaleuca, Inc.

“Jim Risch’s use of a corporate luxury jet for campaign purposes was a breach of trust with Idahoans and should be fully transparent and disclosed,” LaRocco said.

“Apparently Jim Risch has learned nothing from the recent Abramoff scandals,” LaRocco said.

There's more here.

Fanselow on the digital divide

Julie Fanselow of Red State Rebels fame has authored an opinion piece on the 2008 Senate race and the candidates' "digital divide" in an Idaho Statesman readers view today.  Go check it out.