The MountainGoat Report

Misleading

Walt Minnick is at it again.

This isn't the first time the Idaho congressman has used carefully crafted language to fit within a technical definition of the truth while leaving a different impression.  Embroiled in a brouhaha with FactCheck.org over his first television ad of the campaign season, Minnick and his campaign staff would have you believe that he has always opposed bailouts, but that isn't really so.  In fact he lambasted then-Congressman Bill Sali, his opponent in September of 2008, for taking the exact position that he is now touting as his.

The issue here is a television ad that author, journalist and long time Idaho political observer Randy Stapilus described as, "One of the smoothest Republican campaign videos of the year."  Not bad, except Minnick is an incumbent Democrat.

In the ad Congressman Minnick says, "I've had to say 'no' far more often than I've said 'yes.' I've said 'no' to more government spending; 'no' to President Obama's big health-care plan; 'no' to Wall Street bailouts."

This quickly drew the attention of FactCheck because, of course, Minnick was not in office in the fall of 2008 and couldn't have voted against the bailouts.  Minnick spokesman John Foster objected, getting FactCheck to run a correction:

"We originally reported that Minnick’s ad said he 'voted' against the bailout. His campaign manager John Foster objected, pointing out that what Minnick says in the ad is: 'I’ve said no' to Wall Street bailouts. "It’s true that, as a candidate in 2008, he did denounce passage of the bill. He would have been more accurate to say in his ad that he 'spoke out against' the bailouts."

The Idaho Statesman's Dan Popkey reports that "Foster had preemptively defended the ad, the first of the campaign, telling the Statesman on Tuesday, 'We were very careful with the language,'" and including FactCheck Director Brooks Jackson's email response, "We posted a correction. We still think it's pretty cheeky to say you 'said no' to something you had no say in at the time. But as Minnick's campaign manager says, language matters."

Popkey's piece also included a statement John Foster said he provided to FactCheck that wasn't published:

Walt has a consistent and clear record against Wall Street bailouts, even going so far as to publicly denounce them in a statement to the Treasury Secretary during a hearing of the Financial Services Committee. For Walt this is about more than just a vote. It is about making it clear to the people of Idaho that he has always stood against these kinds of bailouts. His record has always been clear on the issue, and the ad properly reflects that.

"Always" is a tough word, but if "language matters," and it does, perhaps this should have been more carefully crafted because it isn't true to say that Walt has "always stood against these kinds of bailouts."

In an Idaho Statesman article published September 20, 2008 entitled "Simpson rips Sali for stance on economic crisis," Dan Popkey reported on the positions taken by Idaho's all Republican congressional delegation on the economic crisis, and specifically those of Representatives Mike Simpson and Bill Sali, Minnick's opponent in 2008.

But Sali, a freshman, called for a halt on federal bailouts, which have already reached more than $600 billion. Sali on Thursday sent a letter to Bush's point men in the crisis, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke.

Co-signed by 30 other members of the conservative Republican Study Group, the letter was sent as Paulson and Bernanke and Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Christopher Cox were meeting with congressional leaders about their plan to buy mortgage assets that can't be sold by banks and other institutions.

"...we urge you in the strongest terms possible to refrain from conducting any additional government-financed bailouts for large financial firms," wrote Sali and his colleagues. "Regardless of precautions taken, the risk to taxpayers and to the long-term future health of our economy remain just too great to justify."

No more bailouts, period.  That was Sali's position at the time.  A position so extreme it elicited this scathing response from his colleague, Rep. Mike Simpson,  "What's his answer: to let the economy go down?" Simpson said.  "Sometimes Bill puts himself in a philosophical position that's untenable that he can't get off of."

Two days later, a giddy Minnick campaign released a statement attaching themselves to Simpson's statement and lambasting Sali for his "no bailouts" position.

Here's the full press release:

Congressman Minnick would like you to believe that he's "always" been against bailouts, but it isn't exactly true and lambasting your opponent for the very position that you are now touting as yours is indeed "cheeky."

Why release an ad that required carefully crafted language and a preemptive defense?  Why not just tell the plain truth?  Isn't that what Idahoans are clamoring for?

The Walt Minnick, Russian Brides Connection

Remember this?  In the 2008 campaign to unseat Bill Sali, Idaho Congressman Walt Minnick heavily courted Republican votes, even launching a website complete with a roster of well-known GOP defectors.

Here's how the site, developed by webdesignboise.com, looked then:

Seems someone by the name Artem Zakharov bought the domain, republicansforminnick.com, in October and the site has changed dramatically.  It now features the top story, "10 Perfect Places to Foregather Women" and a top tag, "Russian Brides."

Walt Minnick, a magnet for Russian Brides?  Who knew?!

What's Really Up Those Plaid Sleeves?

Walt Minnick has deep ties to agriculture, at least he's been saying so to anyone who would listen since his successful quest to become Idaho's 1st District Congressman began in 2007.  "Growing up on a wheat farm in Walla Walla . . ." became the refrain in ads and bios.  And then there are those ubiquitous plaid shirts.

It was no surprise, then, to hear his insistence that he was protecting Idaho farm families from onerous tax increases when he voted to preserve a $7 million dollar per couple estate tax exemption this month.  No matter that the average family farm isn't worth anywhere near that amount.

Protecting multimillion dollar estates—like his—meanwhile clucking that health care reform is too expensive.  Guess that's really no surprise either.

It was a surprise to find conflicts between his financial disclosure statements and state records regarding that "wheat farm in Walla Walla."

According to the Washington Secretary of State website, Minnick holds governing positions in these four businesses in Washington state, all of which list as the registered agent his sister, Laura, in Walla Walla:

• Vice President — Foundation Farm, Inc, an active for-profit incorporated in 1965
• Vice President — Minnick Harvesters, Inc, an active for-profit incorporated in 1987
• Manager — Minnick Hills Vineyard, LLC, an active for-profit incorporated in 2000
• Member — Minnck Land Company, LLC, an active for-profit incorporated in 2002

On his 2008 financial disclosure statement filed May 15, 2009 and found at the Center for Responsive Politics, Minnick disclosed his asset value and income for just three of those businesses—but listing one twice—and only disclosed the positions he holds in one.

• Director and Vice President — Foundation Farm, Inc — disclosed value $250,001 to $500,000
• Position not disclosed — Minnick Harvesters, Inc — value not disclosed
• Position not disclosed — Minnick Hills Vineyard, LLC — disclosed value $100,001 to $250,000
• Position not disclosed — Minnck Land Company, LLC — disclosed value $500,001 to $1,000,000 (listed twice with different capital gains income amounts and without indication that the asset may be held by a dependent child)

As he disclosed them (including Minnick Land Company twice), Minnick's value in these assets falls somewhere between $1.35 million and $2.75 million but it is unclear why one asset and three governing positions are omitted from the disclosure.

Certainly Walt must have a logical explanation for this discrepancy. Certainly this isn't simply a filing error, after making the filing of accurate reports an issue in the 2008 campaign.  And certainly there isn't anything else Walt has failed to disclose.

Guess we'll find out.

Walt Wins!

Not all the votes have been counted and the results are unofficial but with just a few precincts outstanding there is a margin large enough to say comfortably, "Idaho, you have a new Congressman!  He's a Democrat named Walt Minnick."  Congratulations on a well-run campaign.

Bubblehead called it first at 43rd State Blues and his own The Stupid Shall Be Punished.

Update:  Others are weighing in and I'll list them here as they come in and as I find them.  I'll also have more thoughts on this and other races in a subsequent post.

• the unequivocal notion
• Commentary: Kevin Richert, Idaho Statesman
• CityDesk, Nathaniel Hoffman, Boise Weekly
• Ft. Boise
• KIVI, Boise ABC affiliate
• Adam's Blog
• Huckleberries Online, Spokesman-Review
• BinkyBoy, 43rd State Blues
• 123Idaho, 43rd State Blues - KTVB has now called the race for Minnick
• KTVB - Walt's giving victory speech live. (Live feed ended at 11:21; I'll update with a link to the speech when available.) 
• Here's video of Minnick's victory speech.

That's the last of the links I'm going to add to this post; there are many more media reports and blogs out there you can find if you're so inclined.  I'll have more thoughts later.  Until then Idaho, "Dream On!"

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!

Election Eve: Monday in the 1st CD

Quite a bit later than usual but here are today's links in Idaho's 1st Congressional District race.  Don't miss the new "poser of the day" bit.

Evening update

• Win or lose, Congressman Sali's social calendar appears to be plenty full.  He's an honorary co-chair of the black-tie-formal Capital City Ball, with a guest list including such prominent names as Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan and Olympic gold medalist Kerri Strug and featuring a Vegas-style casino.  Read more in "Capital City Ball" - Washington Life Magazine
  "The Capital City Ball is a premier social event held at one of Washington’s most exclusive and elegant locations. The Ball draws a diverse and interesting group of people from different social networks and a wide range of ages. The 2008 Ball will be held Saturday, November 22nd at the historic Washington Club."

Afternoon call

• Bill Sali's "power" ranking of 423 is one of IDP ExecDir Jim Hansen reasons in "Six reasons to vote for Democrats" - BSU Arbiter
• More dissecting of ads in "Political ads dance around the issues" - BSU Arbiter
• Anecdotes and letters in "Noah Wall's LTE" and "Campaign sign shenanigans" - the unequivocal notion

Poser of the day

In April last year, a vote was held on a bi-partisan bill, sponsored by Senators Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Ted Kennedy (D-Massachusetts), extending and improve funding for a range of traumatic brain injury rehabilitation programs that assisted primarily veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.  As expected the bill passed the U.S. House overwhelmingly with only one dissenting vote and 37 members not voting.  Congressman Bill Sali was among those who recorded no vote on the legislation (we blogged about it here, then, and unequivocal notion blogged about it here last month).

A few days later in a debate hosted by KTVB, his primary opponent, Iraq veteran Matt Salisbury, questioned Sali on not being present for this important vote, to which Sali responded that he thought he was there.  KTVB investigated further, checking with the Library of Congress and determined that indeed no vote had been recorded for Sali on that bill.

When confronted about this discrepancy between Sali's recollection and the record, Sali claimed computer error (the first of many such "computer error" claims) and said he would ask for an investigation (see video of KTVB's report here and my post here).

Well, six months later and Sali is still recorded as not having voted on the bill.  Here's the poser:  Is it really possible that in the U.S. House of Representatives, part of the branch of government responsible for drafting and passing legislation governing the most powerful nation on earth, that a rogue computer glitch could be causing votes to be recorded inaccurately—and no one has heard anything about it?  Not a peep . . . until a question is asked in a debate putting a congressman on the spot, subsequently requiring his staff to come up with a little CYA.  Computer glitch—if that were happening—even possible—wouldn't other members of Congress be up in arms about it?  Or is it just Sali that is plagued by computer glitches?  Or could it be that he just missed the vote and then lied about it?  Either way, not exactly unexpected from someone with a 423 effectiveness rating.

Sali quote of the day

"We have not only a Hindu prayer being offered in the Senate, we have a Muslim member of the House of Representatives now, Keith Ellison from Minnesota. Those are changes – and they are not what was envisioned by the Founding Fathers. The principles that this country was built on, that have made it great over these centuries, were Christian principles derived from scriptures. You know, the Lord can cause the rain to fall on the just and the unjust alike." — Congressman Bill Sali (R-ID-01)

One Day and a Wakeup: Sunday In the 1st CD

Here are your links for today in the 1st Congressional District race.

Afternoon update

• Minnick calls on Sali to return to consumers the $5,000 contribution received from Exxon Mobile the same day they announced record profits in "Big Oil's profits go right to Bill Sali" - Minnick for Congress
  "Bill Sali has defended Big Oil for two years by saying that ending their egregious tax breaks won't help consumers. Well now we know the truth: Those tax breaks help Big Oil bring in the profits so they can give it away to their buddy Bill.  We call on Bill Sali to give that $5,000 back to consumers who struggled to fill their tanks over the summer."
• It wasn't just Exxon Mobile posting record profits in "Chevron 3Q profit soars, yet caution prevails" - The Mercury News
  "Chevron, Exxon Mobil and rivals BP, Royal Dutch Shell and ConocoPhillips posted combined earnings of $44.4 billion from July 1 to Sept. 30, up 58 percent from the same quarter a year earlier." [emphasis mine]
• Among a whole slew of Republican endorsements, a North Idaho paper gives Walt the nod in "Bee announces local, state endorsements" - Bonner County Daily Bee
  "Walt Minnick (D) receives our strong endorsement for this seat. Rep. Bill Sali has at times appeared to be incompetent and/or misguided. His campaign is disorganized and he has more diehard Republicans abandoning the GOP in this race than we have ever seen. It's time for a change in this seat."

Morning call

• Why Sali seeks re-election in "For Sali, it’s all about family in 2008 election" - Argus Observer
  "'I hope to go back to my 111th Congress and really make a difference,' [Sali] said.  Three main topics he would like to continue pushing for are health care, immigration and tax reform."
• Walt takes time out to man the phone banks in "Sign up for a GOTV phone shift" - Red State Rebels
• Ranked as 423rd in effectiveness, Idaho can't afford two more years of Bill Sali in "30 Reasons Idaho Voters Don't Want Bill Sali - #1" - Idaho Democrats
  "Idaho has just two Congressmen, so they must both be effective. There's no room for grandstanding, bitter partisanship or refusal to work with other members of the delegation. Bill Sali has proved to be an ineffective presence in Washington, D.C., and he does not deserve re-election."
• Photoshopping fun and commentary as only Serephin can in "Deadbeat Sali refusing to pay debt of $15,500 owed for 31 years" - 43rd State Blues

Fact of the day

Bill Sali's privately funded congressional travel (from Center for Responsive Politics):

In March and April of 2007 Sali attended Club for Growth's lavish annual conference at their expense where he was asked to speak about his work on the Natural Resources Committee and how to work with the Democratic Party.  Total cost for the trip which included a four-hour cruise on a 170-foot yacht — $3,491.

Sali quote of the day

"They're trying to silence one side of the debate.  The truth is I can't prove that I'm absolutely right, and they can't prove that they're absolutely right. It needs to be a part of the debate if we care about women." — Congressman Bill Sali (R-ID-01), then a state Rep. from Kuna, on those who maintain that science rejects his assertion that abortion increases the risk of breast cancer in women.

More Cowbell: Saturday In the 1st CD

A little later than usual but here are today's links in Idaho's 1st Congressional District race.

Evening update

• An interesting bit from yesterday that missed making the rundown comes from NBC political director Chuck Todd in "Decoding Election Day, state-by-state" - MSNBC
  "The problems for the GOP have even spread to this normally rock-ribbed Republican state. Most House race bean counters have already assumed Democrats will knock off Republican Bill Sali. Could a Sali loss, combined with a couple of Club for Growth-supported incumbent losses in Michigan and Maryland lead to an internal fight inside the Republican Party over the power of that group in certain Republican primaries? It looks to me like the Club is seeing a lot of its conservative success stories struggling to hold seats that a Republican shouldn't have trouble keeping."

Mid-afternoon call

• Who is Walt in "Minnick wants to make a difference" - Argus Observer
  "Minnick said he disagrees with where this country has been headed economically and globally. Getting the economy back on track, continuing to support education and reducing the country’s reliance on foreign oil are three things he believes in strongly and are what he will work toward if elected."
• More on fliers and Sali's past financial failure in "Idaho First CD Update" - New West
• Not to be outdone by others and their top ten lists is Bill Sali's most ardent supporter in "Nine Reasons To Vote For Bill Sali" - Bill Sali Fan
• Watch as back in May oil company executives were squirming as they explained that they make so much money they don't even know what their compensation packages total.  Just weeks before this Senate hearing, Sali was hosting oil company execs. at a lavish fundraising luncheon and, as of Oct. 19th, has taken $41,000 in campaign contributions from them; all while voting against reducing industry tax subsidies.
  

Fact of the day

Bill Sali on Energy and Oil (from On The Issues):

• Voted NO on tax incentives for energy production and conservation. (May 2008)
• Voted NO on tax incentives for renewable energy. (Feb 2008)
• Voted NO on investing in homegrown biofuel. (Aug 2007)
• Voted NO on criminalizing oil cartels like OPEC. (May 2007)
• Voted NO on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies. (Jan 2007)
• Establish a solar energy program on federal lands. (Apr 2008)

Sali quote of the day

“Most of the hospitals in this country have Christian names. If you think Hindu prayer is great, where are the Hindu hospitals in this country? Go down the list. Where are the atheist hospitals in this country? They’re not equal.” — Rep. Bill Sali (R-ID-01) to the Idaho Press-Tribune editorial board in response to criticism of his views regarding Hindu prayer in the Senate

Shouldn't Have Happened

Anyone who has read this blog with any regularity knows that in the nearly two years that I've been at this, the main focus here has been following Congressman Bill Sali's time in office.  I've blogged on his voting record, statements, press-releases, finances and anything else that could provide voters with information that may help them make a different choice this November 4th.  Admittedly, there are few things I would like more than to see Congressman Sali give a concession speech on Tuesday.

Despite all of that, however, I would never wish any misfortune to come to Mr. Sali, his wife or his family.  We may not share much, ideologically or otherwise, but we are all Idahoans.  I sincerely hope that no harm comes to the Salis from their social security numbers being inadvertently included on the flier that was sent to voters of the 1st District by the Idaho Democrats.  In a statement that in my view doesn't go far enough, Executive Director Jim Hansen says it was a mistake and takes personal responsibility for the oversight.  I know he's sincere.  Regardless of that and despite knowing Idaho voters generally to be honest and trustworthy and that they would wish no harm to come to the Salis as well, it shouldn't have happened and I personally wish the Congressman, his wife and his entire family well.

TGIF: Today In the 1st CD

On this Halloween day, things are "spookily" quiet in this race but here are your news links for Idaho's 1st Congressional District.

6:30 p.m. update

• Contrasting the candidates in "Dramatic Idaho House Race May Reflect a Changing West" - Jill Kuraitis, New West
• Advice for 1st District voters in "AG's office: Shred campaign flier" - Eye on Boise
• "Idaho Farmer: Sali Is Still Stiffing Me On Farm Lease" in "A Night At The Congressional Races" - TPM ElectionCentral
• The race moves up 9 spots to number 30 of the 50 most competitive races in "The FINAL House Line: The Top 50!" - The Fix, The Washington Post
  "Unlike many of his GOP colleagues, Rep. Bill Sali is not in trouble because of the national Democratic wave; John McCain will easily carry Idaho. Sali simply is not liked by his constituents; in a recent Survey USA poll for Roll Call just 33 percent of those surveyed felt favorably toward the incumbent while 47 percent felt unfavorably. In that same survey, Sali trailed Democrat Walt Minnick 51 percent to 46 percent. (Moved from 39 to 30.)"
• The race makes Comedy Central again in "Democratic Identity Theft on the Rise" - Indecision2008
• More on the flier in"Apology needed" followed by "And speaking of apologies that are overdue" - Ft. Boise
• Irreverently as ever in "Morning Mishmash: Chicago Tribune on Obama; Idaho's political clout" - d2, 43rd State Blues

Noon update

• A local farming family feels "duped" by Sali's failure to make good on bad checks in "Bill Sali's Long Overdue Debt to Republican Family" - Boise ABC affiliate, KIVI
  "Marianne [DeShazo] says she's tired of hearing Sali talk about his support of Idaho's farming families, and feels taken advantage of.  'This is one farm family he did not support,' she said."

Morning call

• Infrastructure as stimulus or not in "Minnick, Sali agree on I-84 traffic, but not on solution" - Idaho Statesman
• On this slow news day, here's some of the candidate debate from October 19 broadcast on Idaho Public Television.  This is part four of six (links to parts one, two, three, five and six) where candidates discuss social security and guns:

Fact of the day

Top 5 industries contributing to Bill Sali (from Center for Responsive Politics):

Leadership PACs	$108,987
Oil & Gas	$41,000
Candidate Committees	$34,000
Republican/Conservative	$25,300
Lawyers/Law Firms	$20,250

Sali quote of the day

"I am not ashamed that we use a lot of energy in this country. It has made us the most prosperous Nation on the face of the planet. ... Using energy makes us prosperous." — Congressman Bill Sali (R-ID-01) during debate on an energy bill that, among other things, invested in alternative and renewable energy sources and repealed tax subsidies for large oil companies.
(Sali voted against the bill, H.R.6899)

VD Minus 5: Today in the 1st CD

Here's the rundown for today in Idaho's 1st Congressional District race.

6 p.m. update

• Suggests apologies all around and maybe some spell checking in "Bill Sali: Right And Wrong" - Bubblehead
• New poll showing Minnick with a lead in "ID-Sen, ID-01: Risch Ahead by 12, Minnick Up by 7" - Swing State Project
• IDP Executive Director Jim Hansen responds to flier detailing Sali's past financial failures which inadvertently displayed SSN's in "Statement on Sali flier" - Idaho Democratic Party
• Seems there's a contest of some sort in "Bill Sali campaign slogan contest!" - Red State Rebels
• Commentary and links to other flier reaction in "Is a politician's Social Security number any of my business?" - Kevin Richert, Idaho Statesman (this addition was inadvertently left off the original 6 pm posting)

Morning call

• "Democratic candidate Walt Minnick leads Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Sali by a seven-to-five margin in one of the most telling polls of Idaho's 1st Congressional District race: a tally of the two rivals' personal firearms" in "Uzis, howitzers pop up in Idaho campaign"  - John Miller, AP via Idaho Press-Tribune
• Finally move the race to "no clear favorite" after holding at a tenuous "leans Republican" for weeks in "Manner, More Than Ideology, Puts GOP’s Sali in Tossup Idaho Race" - CQ Politics
  "It is hard to envision that Sali’s problems in this election are mainly a matter of his strongly conservative views. They should, in fact, be among his political strengths. ... It is the way Sali has addressed his views, and his overall demeanor, that appear to be the cause of the problems he has had in congressional politics."
• More on financial issues plus a family comes forward with unpaid checks signed by Sali returned for insufficient funds in "Sali, Minnick trade barbs, issue defenses over their financial pasts" - Idaho Statesman
• Sali cries foul over Dem party fliers detailing past financial failures in "Sali upset about Democratic flier with his Social Security number" - Boise NBC affiliate KTVB
• The race makes the list of most competitive races in the Mountain states in "Election Night Primer: FOX News' Guide to Competitive Congressional Races" - FOX News
  "Idaho is solid Republican territory. So it should be a cakewalk for freshman Republican Rep. Bill Sali? Hardly. Sali isn't popular among many Republicans, including the man he succeeded in the House, Republican Gov. Butch Otter, and the state's other congressman, Rep. Mike Simpson. And he failed to raise as much money as his Democratic challenger, Democrat Walt Minnick. One Republican characterized Sali's fundraising efforts as "lazy." Sali won election with a hair more than 50 percent of the vote last time around. A big McCain victory is Idaho could help, but it might not be enough as this race is tightening."
• Dissecting recent ads in "'Blizzard of attack ads' in Idaho race" - Spokesman-Review via Eye on Boise
  "Sali’s ad, which offers no claims about incumbent Sali himself, closes with, 'The real Walt Minnick – a Washington liberal,' despite the fact that the last time Minnick, a former Republican, worked in Washington, D.C. it was for the Nixon White House."
• Photoshopping fun and more in "Sali didn't report oil company contributions properly?" - the unequivocal notion
• Speaking of ads, what's up with that DCCC "Strange Ideas" ad?  Does the DCCC really think anyone in Idaho is buying that 23% sales tax line?  Nice that the DCCC is showing an interest in this seat but if they are going to spend money in the 1st CD, least they could do is consult with someone here first.  That ad is simply tossing money out the window.

Fact of the day

Bill Sali on Budget & Economy (from On The Issues)

• Voted NO on defining "energy emergency" on federal gas prices. (Jun 2008)
• Voted NO on revitalizing severely distressed public housing. (Jan 2008)
• Voted NO on regulating the subprime mortgage industry. (Nov 2007)

Sali quote of the day

"If [House Oversight Committee Chairman] Henry Waxman was interested in doing more than just showboat, we'd be there in a heartbeat. It's political grandstanding." — spokesman Wayne Hoffman explaining why Congressman Bill Sali (R-ID-01) was absent from congressional oversight hearings into the financial crisis where, among other things, it was learned that AIG executives indulged in a lavish retreat a week after the bailout.

VD Minus 6: Today In the 1st CD

Here is today's rundown in Idaho's 1st Congressional District.  As before, I'll update this post with additional info throughout the day as it becomes available.  (VD = voting day, btw)

5 p.m. update

• See Sali still insist that having his congressional office outside of the district isn't a problem despite being told by the House Committee on Administration, "The requirement is that you be in the district, or in a federal office building that serves the district," and saying last week that he would move it if re-elected (see Eye on Boise and the unequivocal notion).  That and much more as he and Minnick sit down for interviews. - Spokane ABC affiliate, KLXY

        

• More on the growth of Minnick's Republican support in "GOP Group Supporting Sali's Dem Opponent Grows" - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room
• The 1st District was included in recent polling of Mountain West congressional districts showing Democratic gains.  Find links to the data and analysis in "Democracy Corps Poll: Mountain States Swinging Blue" - mcjoan, Daily Kos

1 p.m. update

• New names have been added to the Republicans for Minnick steering committee which now totals 108 (at my count) as listed on the website. - Minnick for Congress
• Hands-down number one race to watch in Idaho in "Election Night: My Viewer's Guide" - Kevin Richert, Idaho Statesman

---

• Contrasting campaigns and styles in "Courting Voters:  Sali, Minnick fight to win voters' hearts" - Boise Weekly
• Sali should have been "cut loose immediately" in "Did the NRCC Make the Right Picks" - Real Clear Politics
  "It says a great deal about Sali, Schmidt and Souder that they ran so far behind Bush. Not all conservative candidates in those districts necessarily would run so poorly. These three simply have limited appeal, and the NRCC shouldn't have to spend considerable resources every two years to rescue them in districts that they should retain easily."
• Race moved to Toss Up/Tilt Democratic in "2008 House Ratings" - The Rothenberg Political Report
• Sali finally showed up to oversight hearing in "The Power of the People on Politicians" - Today's 6 News Director's Blog (via "Ever the persistent flippy-flopper" - the unequivocal notion)
  "Sali even got Greenspan to admit that he believes 40% percent of regulation tends to miss the mark, but probably to Sali's dismay, the normally libertarian Greenspan appeared to be implying more regulation of the financial sector is needed. And this time, Bill Sali was there to hear it! But why would Sali show up for the grandstanding, political theater if he thought it was grandstanding political theater? It wasn't because of the power of the media in a tight race. It's because of the power of the people."
• "But for me, it really is the Minnick race" in "Defining Moments" - DemConWatch
• Campaign finance and more in "Dems defend anti-Sali flier" - Eye on Boise
• Got my first Bill Sali robocall yesterday.  It was Mitt Romney.  I guess when he said "I have endorsed Bill and offered to help in any way" he really meant it.  Wonder if he knows or even cares about this (from the unequivocal notion), "Sali: Playing on both sides of the fence."  My guess is probably not—he probably doesn't know and probably doesn't care.
• The Sali attack ad that was mentioned yesterday, the one that contained the same false info as a previous ad, it was running un-changed last night.

Fact of the day

Bill Sali's Top 5 contributors (from Center for Responsive Politics):

American Bankers Assn	$13,150
BAE Systems	$10,000
Cmte for the Preservation of Capitalism (Rep. Jim McCrery R-LA)	$10,000
Every Republican is Crucial PAC (Rep. Eric Cantor R-VA)	$10,000
Freedom Fund (Sen. Mike Crapo R-ID)	$10,000

Sali quote of the day

"There are people out there without health care, and we need to address that, but it's not as big of a problem as some people would make it out to be" — Congressman Bill Sali (R-ID-01) in a Lewiston, ID debate

Bill Sali and the Immigration Endorsement

Yesterday Bill Sali announced that he had received the "Grade-A Represen-tative for Sensible Immigration" from NumbersUSA, an immigration reduction organization (read the wiki here), self-described as "a non-profit, non-partisan, public policy organization that favors an environmentally sustainable and economically just America. It opposes efforts to use federal immigration policies to force mass U.S. population growth...."  It and executive director Roy Beck are credited by some for defeat of the immigration bill in 2007.

Upon defeat of that legislation, The New York Times reported that critics see the group's founder as the "father of the anti-immigration movement.  Mark A. Potok, a senior researcher at the [Southern Poverty] law center, called NumbersUSA the 'kinder, gentler side of that movement.' ... On the group’s Web site, Mr. Beck cautions against 'immigrant bashing' and says, 'Even illegal aliens deserve humane treatment as they are detected, detained and deported.'"

That's not what makes them interesting, though.  What makes NumbersUSA interesting is they have received resounding and enthusiastic endorsement* from Frosty Wooldridge, weekly guest on shock-jock Zeb Bell's "Zeb at the Ranch" talk radio show who has admitted ties to David Duke and who last June on Zeb's show called Senator Obama's mother trailer trash with a fixation on black men.

Frosty, whose hate-speech isn't limited by race, gender or ethnic group, urged people to become committed to the NumbersUSA website and its growth saying that "as a single snowflake, [individuals] will become part of an avalanche of public action that will FORCE this Congress to do our bidding."

Ah, Bill Sali, glad you've received the endorsement of a group with such a "fine slate" of enthusiastic supporters.

* Refuse to link to Frosty but google "Frosty" and "NumbersUSA" and you'll get the cited article.

A Week To Go: Today In the 1st CD

Update note:  I'll add to this list throughout the day as new info emerges.

Some links for today in Idaho's 1st Congressional District race:

• In "10 moments that rattled race for Congress" - Politico
  "Sali’s shenanigans. It’s generally not a good idea to give your opponent’s campaign staff bunny ears in the middle of a televised interview. Or to consider turning in a fourth-grade book report late as one of the pivotal moments of your life. But this GOP freshman class president has turned into the class clown and is facing the wrath from voters back home.  Bill Sali’s embarrassments have single-handedly given Democrat Walt Minnick an even chance to unseat him in an Idaho district that is one of the most Republican in the country"
• Still talkin' up the bunny ears in "In House, Dems expected to gain 20 to 30 seats" - San Francisco Chronicle
• Monday, Sali failed to get Canyon County paper's endorsement, again - Idaho Press-Tribune
  "His ethically debatable decision to employ a full-time congressional office staffer as his campaign spokesman, his attempt to get third-party or independent candidates to step out of the U.S. Senate race, and his sloppy campaign finance filings are all reasons to think twice before casting a Sali vote."
• On Sali's non-endorsement spin in "Political Desperation Is Funny" - Bubblehead
• More on Sali's spin in "Sali's selective reading" and an endorsement compilation - Kevin Richert, Idaho Statesman
• "Minnick endorsed by nation's largest organization of Iraq, Afghanistan veterans" - 43rd State Blues
• Don't miss veterans for Minnick ad featuring local submariner - Bubblehead
• Sali has made a new video attack ad (haven't seen it running yet) which is still making claims that were proved to be false by KTVB on a previous ad - Bill Sali's YouTube channel
• The GOP has canceled their long-running GOTV bus tour; apparently no one wants to ride with Bill Sali in "Wheels fall off GOP bus" - Julie Fanselow, Idaho Democrats
• More on the canceled bus tour in "GOP bus tour in the ditch" - Ft. Boise
• Bill Sali still earning awards in "Fool Of The Week: Congressman’s “Bunny Ears” Earns Him Jester’s Cap" - Foolocracy
• Sali's "just plain worn out" as campaign winds down in "Crunch Time For Local Candidates" - KTRV Fox 12
• A loyal Sali fan and ever the optimist in "Looking Good for Sali" - Adam's Blog

Sali Vote, The Extended Edition

Still confused about which candidate, Walt Minnick or Bill Sali, will best represent the interests of Idaho's 1st District for the next two years or know someone who is?  If so, here's a list of some of the votes cast by Congresman Bill Sali during his nearly two years in office that may help.  This list is lengthy but by no means comprehensive.

Votes against:

• Bill Sali opposes aid to victims of torture. Bill passed 418-7
• Bill Sali opposes easier access to small-business loans. Bill passed 380-45
• Bill Sali opposes funding for scientific research. Bill passed 397-20
• Bill Sali opposes restrictions on maritime pollution (359-48) and on dogfighting and cockfighting (368-39)
• Bill Sali opposes protection for whistleblowers. Bill passed 331-94
• Bill Sali likes noxious weeds. Bill passed 390-10
• Bill Sali opposes the National Science Foundation. Bill passed 399-17
• Bill Sali opposes improving Head Start. (Bill passed 365-48) Twice. (Bill passed 381-36)
• Bill Sali opposes technology innovation.  Bill passed 385-23
• Bill Sali opposes putting more cops on the streets. Bill passed 381-34
• Bill Sali voted against the 911 Commission's recommendations. Bill passed 371-40
• Bill Sali opposes contracting fairness reforms for small businesses. Bill passed 409-13
• Bill Sali doesn't much care for our neighbors in Washington and Oregon. Bill passed 294-80
• Bill Sali thinks AmeriCorps is unworthy of recognition. Bill passed 346-21
• Bill Sali says to New Orleans and the Corps of Engineers: Drop dead.
• Bill Sali is apparently OK with spyware.  The bill's purpose:  "to protect users of the Internet from unknowing transmission of their personally identifiable information through spyware programs"  Passed 368-48.
• Bill Sali opposes reforming Section 8 housing.  Bill passed 333-83
• Bill Sali opposes making college more affordable.  The bill was paid for by reducing subsidies to lenders in the student loan industry.  Bill passed 273-149
• Bill Sali opposes improving rural housing.  Bill passed 350-49
• Bill Sali opposes providing assistance to rural community-based housing organizations. Bill passed 350-49
• Bill Sali opposes promoting energy efficiency and renewable resource use.  Bill passed 332-70
• Bill Sali opposed a bill containing $600,000 earmarked for projects he requested, then sent out a press-release touting his success in securing funding for the projects.  Bill passed 276-140
• Bill Sali opposed eliminating 1,018 earmarks from a bill.  Failed 53-369
• Bill Sali opposed a bill containing $1 million earmarked for transportation projects he requested and again sent out a press-release announcing that he had secured the funding.  Bill passed 268-153  He was so proud of this bill, he voted against it twice.  Bill passed 270-147
• Bill Sali opposes equal pay for equal work.  Bill passed 225-199
• Bill Sali opposes research and development and technology innovation.  Bill passed 367-57
• Bill Sali opposes providing digital and wireless network technology to certain colleges.  Bill passed 331-59
• Bill Sali opposes Native American affordable housing assistance.  Bill passed 333-75
• Bill Sali opposes providing some student loan forgiveness to those who serve in areas of national need like nurses and bilingual teachers.  Bill passed 292-97
• Bill Sali opposes establishing a science and technology scholarship program.  Bill passed 360-16
• Bill Sali opposes giving health care to kids. (Bill passed 265-159) Twice. (Veto override failed 273-156) A third time (Reworked bill passed 265-142) And a fourth. (Veto override failed 260-152)
• Bill Sali opposes helping small businesses get venture capital.  Bill passed 325-72
• Bill Sali opposes giving tax breaks to homeowners facing foreclosure.   Bill passed 386-27
• Bill Sali doesn't think it's important to find out the extent of corruption in the Iraqi government.  Bill passed 395-21
• Bill Sali opposes allowing journalists to protect their sources.  Bill passed 398-21
• Bill Sali opposes railroad safety.  Bill passed 377-38
• Bill Sali opposes making dams safe.  Bill passed 263-102
• Bill Sali opposes military construction and veterans programs.  Bill passed 269-142
• Bill Sali opposes preventing employment discrimination based on sexual orientation.  Bill passed 235-184
• Bill Sali voted against Special Olympics funding.  Veto override of H.R.3043 failed 277 - 141
• Bill Sali opposes reducing our dependence on foreign oil and investing in alternative energy.  Bill passed 235-181
• Bill Sali opposes requiring mental health insurance to be treated similarly to other medical insurance.  Bill passed 384-23
• Bill Sali opposes making college affordable, again.  Bill passed 354-58
• Bill Sali opposes establishing an independent ethics office.  Passed 229-182
• Bill Sali opposes treating HIV/AIDS and other diseases in foreign countries.  Bill passed  308-116
• Bill Sali opposes management of coastal and ocean resources.  Bill passed 308-60
• Bill Sali opposes paper voting ballots.  Bill passed 239-178
• Bill Sali opposes timber payments to rural schools and counties.  Bill, needing 2/3, failed 218-193
• Bill Sali opposes an emergency extension of unemployment benefits.  Bill passed 368-28
• Bill Sali opposes easier access to homeless assistance programs.  Bill passed 355-61
• Bill Sali opposes rules for handling mercury as a toxic substance.  Bill passed 393-5

A few in favor:

• Bill Sali favors providing $200 million in military assistance to Egypt without measures for corruption prevention.  Amendment failed 74-343.
• Bill Sali favors spending $12.5 million (CBO estimates) on abstinence education.  Bill passed 291-126 with a majority of Republicans opposing.
• Bill Sali favors building permanent bases in Iraq.  Only 23 others agreed.

Thursday In the 1st CD

I've been flat-on-my-back sick for the last couple of days and have to apologize for the lack of posting as we get down to the wire this campaign season.  Hopefully I'll be back soon.  Until then, here are a few links in Idaho's 1st District race:

• Video of 1st CD debate - KTVB
• Walt Minnick receives endorsement from Meridian Chamber and catch video of his latest ad - Red State Rebels
• More on Meridian Chamber endorsement.  "Officials say its the first time the Meridian Chamber PAC has made an endorsement in an Idaho congressional race." - Talk Radio 950 KOZE-AM
• "Dems' ad shows Sali with sheep" - Eye on Boise
• GOP pulls its ads and Bill Sali Fan spins it in "Lies! All Lies! Bill Sali Will Win!" - Bill Sali Fan
• Bill Cope as only he can in "Sali, Simpson, Risch:  What the hell good are they?" - Boise Weekly
• Why polls may be showing Sali trailing Minnick in "Idaho the battleground state" - Examiner.com Boise
• Perhaps spooked by poll numbers, Sali is sending out "panicked" emails in "Takes one to know one" - f-words
• "To me, the scariest and least constructive salmon rhetoric comes from Sali, and an anti-breaching resolution he introduced in the House 15 months ago" in "The scary salmon rhetoric" - Kevin Richert, Idaho Statesman
• To those still unsure, here are "30 Reasons Idaho Voters Are Saying 'No' to Sali" - Idaho Democrats
• Walt Minnick and A River Runs Through It in "What it means to be an environmentalist" - Ft. Boise
• And in case you missed it in the comments on the previous post, "Poll:  Minnick Leads Sali by Six for Idaho’s First CD" - New West

In the 1st CD Today

A few links on Idaho's 1st District race today (hopefully some commentary to follow later):

• "Walt Minnick leads Bill Sali, independent poll shows" - Idaho Statesman
• Links to Sunday's candidate debate, including post debate discussion with Betty Richardson and Rod Beck - Idaho Public Television
• More on debate in "1st District debate gets testy" - Eye on Boise
• Still talking about bunny ears in "Freshman GOPers Attempt To Destroy Their Party" - The New Republic
• Treading dangerously close to non-profit political advocacy, weighing in on "Bunnygate" - Idaho Values Alliance

Minnick: Sali Should Obey Laws

From the Walt Minnick campaign:

Minnick challenges Sali on staff,
offices, corporate contributions
Idaho Public Television hosts fifth meeting of two candidates

Sunday, October 19
For immediate release

For the fourth time in six days, Walt Minnick had Congressman Bill Sali on the defensive at a debate between the two candidates in Idaho's First Congressional District.

Minnick challenged Sali on his opposition to legislation on bridge safety, on Sali's push to privatize Social Security and on his ineffectiveness as a member of Congress. Sali tried to defend his inability to get things done as a freshman member of the minority party.

"Let me tell you how that works for you," Sali said. "You cross the Speaker of the House and you'll be on the Entertainment Committee."

Minnick also sharply criticized Sali for the Idaho Congressman's poor record on a host of ethics issues.

"I think it's imperative that the people we send to Congress ... should obey the laws," Minnick said.

Read on for the rest of the release including a list of Sali's ethical lapses.

From One Premier To Another

Bubblehead, Idaho's premier submarine blogger, has a few good military-related posts on Idaho's premier jokester, 1st District Congressman Bill Sali, that shouldn't be missed.  Seriously, don't miss: 

• Bill Sali Tells Untruths About Idaho's Military Heritage
• Bubblehead The (Politicial) Journalist
• "Veterans For Sali" Group Seems To Underscore Bill Sali's Failure To Understand The Military

Bumbling Bill's Bunny Ears

You've gotta check out NBC affiliate KTVB's report on Bill Sali's antics during an interview with his opponent Walt Minnick's spokesman, John Foster.

Foster stopped the interview and noted the commotion.

I am sorry I was a little bit distracted," Foster said. "I think at some point you even have to question his maturity."

Foster said he saw Sali making faces at him and holding up "bunny ears."

Later, Bilbao interviewed Sali about his actions.

"Look, I think that the Minnick campaign needs to take an approach like we have," he said. "I wish they would be a little more light hearted instead of so mean spirited."

You've gotta be kidding me.  Sali is advocating that Walt Minnick become more like him?  That's the absurdity of this absurd campaign season.  A bumbler advocating that everyone be more bumbling.  What, is he still in the fourth grade?  You know at some point even class clowns grow up; apparently Bill Sali hasn't.

No wonder so many Idaho Republicans are supporting Walt.

Update:  An explanation for Sali's childish behavior and the reason KTVB was interviewing Minnick's spokesman:  Turns out Sali's attack ad (yeah, that one) isn't exactly true.  Check out KTVB here and more here.  I guess when you got nothin' you go with the bunny ears.

Minnick: Sali Ad Violates FCC Rules

From the Walt Minnick campaign:

Sali forced to change latest ad
Attack spot violates FCC 'stand by your ad' requirements

Monday, October 13, 2008
For immediate release

Bill Sali's latest false and negative attack ad violates requirements of the Federal Communications Commission that candidates provide proper disclaimers. As a result of the violation, Sali's debt-ridden campaign is being forced to change the ad, and could be forced to pay a higher rate for broadcast advertising.

"This is yet another part of the pattern of Bill Sali's ineffectiveness and incompetence. He is not following the simple laws governing his congressional office and his campaign," Minnick for Congress spokesman John Foster said. "He spends almost $4,000 per month in taxpayer dollars to keep a swanky campaign office outside his district, he knowingly files false campaign finance reports and he refuses to pay off more than $125,000 in debt from his last campaign. Bill Sali must be held accountable for his violations of the law."

Minnick on Second Bailout Bill

Democrat Walt Minnick, embroiled in a tight race against GOP first-term incumbent Bill Sali for Idaho's 1st District Congressional seat, released the following statement upon passage of the financial markets bailout bill:

"It's been two weeks since Congress was asked to take responsible and immediate action to save Main Street and prevent a global depression. They were asked and advised to pass a bill with strong regulatory reforms and loans to shore up our struggling financial system. However, in yet another sign that the system in Washington is broken, the House today approved a bill that is simply not the answer. This bill is a giveaway to Wall Street. It does not do enough to protect the American taxpayer, and it adds far too much debt to our record deficit. This is fiscal recklessness, and so I continue to oppose this bill. I am strongly supportive of reducing taxes by offering credits for renewable energy, and I have been one of this state's strongest advocates for extension of the Secure Rural Schools program. But the addition of those measures to a broken bill is yet another example of the failed system in Washington."

Sali also opposed the legislation and voted against bill.

Polls: Contradictory; Idahoans Dissatisfied

New polls were released today for Idaho's 1st Congressional District race—one conducted by Greg Smith & Associates showing GOP incumbent Bill Sali with a 12 percentage point lead (51 to 39 percent, margin of error +/- 7 percent); the other by Harstad Strategic Research Inc. showing Democratic challenger Walt Minnick with a 6 percentage point lead (44 to 38 percent, margin of error +/- 5 percent.)  Both were conducted last week with Harstad polling 400 registered 1st District voters and Smith polling 200 likely voters.

What to make of these contradictory results?  Other than pointing to the obvious differences in sample sizes and wondering what the Smith pollsters' definition of "likely voters" includes, probably the only safe thing to say at this point is that this race is very close.  Although, another interesting thing to note is the difference between the two polls in the number of those who are either undecided or for whatever reason selected neither candidate; in the Smith poll this number is just 10 percent while in the Harstad poll it is 18 percent.

A final note from the Harstad poll:

By better than 6-to-1, voters think the nation is pretty seriously off on the wrong track (83%) rather than headed in the right direction (12%). And voters may be increasingly frustrated -- just two weeks ago their verdict was 29% right direction and 63% wrong track.

A twenty percent increase in those who believe the country is on the wrong track in just two weeks.  That's huge and demonstrates Idahoans' severe frustratation with the economic crisis.  And, that 83 percent of Idahoans now believe the nation is on the wrong track is saying something for a state that gave George W. Bush a resounding endorsement just four years ago with 68 percent of the vote in 2004.

KBOI Hosts 1st CD Candidates

Bill Sali today, Walt Minnick tomorrow on KBOI.  Check out details at Red State Rebels.

Minnick on Simplot

Democratic First Congressional District candidate Walt Minnick released the following statement on the recent passing of Idaho icon, J.R. Simplot: 

“I served a dozen years on the board of the College of Idaho, and have fond memories of all that J.R. Simplot did to help the school get through some tough times. The school once threw a party for J.R. and for Joe Albertson, and the two of them spent the whole noon hour poking fun at each other and making jokes about who had really saved the school. The reality is that both of them saved that school.

“J.R. had an unusual energy that electrified a room. He was a visionary, an independent thinker, a leader and one of Idaho ’s great philanthropists. His business career and life reflects all Idaho was, is and will become, from its agricultural roots to its growing future in technology.

“His legacy will live on thanks to the good work of his many children and grandchildren who continue to call Idaho home. My thoughts and prayers are with them and with Esther.”

Discounted Fill-ups on Minnick

First Congressional District candidate Democrat Walt Minnick will be pumping discounted fuel tomorrow at a Boise gas station with the campaign picking up the tab for the difference.  Minnick is offering the gas discount for drivers to emphasize that, while Republican Bill Sali hobnobs with oil company lobbyists in Washington D.C., he will be looking out for average Idahoans.

From the Minnick for Congress campaign:

Tomorrow Bill Sali will sit down to a $1,000-per-plate fundraiser for his campaign, a fundraiser hosted by oil lobbyists.

While Bill is busy raking in money from the very people getting filthy rich off high prices, Idahoans are spending their hard-earned paychecks on high prices at the pump!

"Idahoans are being pummeled at the pump while their congressman is hobnobbing with the very people who are getting filthy rich from high gas prices," Walt said in a press release today. "Sali should be taking a tough stance with the oil lobbyists, not looking to them for a handout."

It's an egregious example of what's wrong in Washington. That's why, while Sali is lunching and lounging in D.C. with "big oil," Walt will be pumping gas in Boise.

Regular gasoline at the Cole Village Chevron is currently $3.59 per gallon.  From 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, the station will sell regular for $2.26 a gallon, the price it was when Sali first took office.  The Minnick for Congress campaign will pay the difference.

Minnick Tops Competitiveness Chart

Swing State Project has compiled a competitiveness chart based on a first quarter cash-on-hand comparison between the challenger and the incumbent in the top seventy-five U.S. House races this election cycle.  The race between Idaho's 1st District Congressman Bill Sali (still facing a May primary contest from Matt Salisbury) and his Democratic challenger Walt Minnick made the list.

Minnick's reported cash-on-hand was an amazing 264% that of Sali's—good enough to rank Minnick's competitiveness at the top of the chart for this quarter.

Money isn't everything in a campaign, but having more is usually better than having less.

Sali, Minnick and Money

Boise Weekly reported today that Idaho Congressman Bill Sali held a swanky D.C. fundraiser yesterday, raking in $66,000 in one night.

The fundraising came courtesy of House Majority Leader John Boehner and the party's Regain Our Majority Program. The ROMP program is designed for candidates who are "politically vulnerable and/or have been targeted by the Democrats for defeat," according to the National Republican Congressional Committee.

The Walt Minnick campaign responded to the news:

You might have heard today that Bill Sali raked in almost $70,000 last night at a single event hosted by Washington lobbyists and insider pals. ... In less than 18 months, Sali went from someone who campaigned against the pitfalls of Washington to basking in the attention and money that broke Washington in the first place. Sali is now part of a cult of influence where special interests reward the powerful.

Idaho deserves better. We don't need Bill Sali, someone who would mortgage off his independence and the best interests of his state and district for evening after evening with Washington lobbyists.

That's why Idaho needs Walt Minnick. He will fight for us in this campaign and he will fight for us as a Congressman. He has the strong, independent and untainted voice that Idahoans demand.

Send Sali a message; contribute to Minnick's campaign here.

Minnick Outraises Sali

Yesterday 1st Congressional District candidate, Democrat Walt Minnick, released impressive fundraising numbers, hauling in a little over $228,000 for the 1st quarter—more than double, Congressman Bill Sali's 1st quarter take—and nearly $639,000 since entering the race in November.  As Jill Kuraitis notes, writing at New West, these numbers point out why Minnick is "the de facto Democratic nominee," with Larry Grant leaving the race last week.

In contrast, Congressman Bill Sali, still facing a primary challenge from Iraq war veteran Matt Salisbury, reports raising just over $107,000 for the quarter, bringing his election cycle total to just under $428,000 and still reporting over $144,000 in debts and obligations.

Here's the Walt for Congress press release:

Walt Minnick today reported his campaign fundraising totals for the first quarter of 2008.

"I'm humbled by the number of people who are supporting this campaign with contributions of time and money," Minnick said. "Our campaign's real success over the last three months has been the growing momentum from the thousands of people we met in Idaho's First Congressional District."

Minnick reported to the Federal Elections Commission contributions to the campaign totaling $638,690 since mid-November and $228,336 since the beginning of the year. More than 98 percent of Minnick's contributions in the first three months of 2008 came from individual donors, and less than 2 percent from political action committees.

Shakeup in the First District Race

Big news in the Democratic primary for Idaho's 1st Congressional District seat.

Candidate for the Democratic nomination for Idaho’s 1st Congressional District Larry Grant today dropped out of the race and threw his support to his opponent Walt Minnick. [...] Saying “there isn’t ten cents of difference” between his views and Minnick’s, Grant pledged to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with Minnick to help beat Republican Congressman Bill Sali.

Jill Kuraitis has it all at New West.

Update 14:25:  Here's a statement from Walt Minnick on Grant's withdrawal:

I first got to know Larry Grant years ago when he was helping grow a small technology company into Idaho's largest employer. He has always been a decent, honest, trustworthy, good man. I've always been proud to call him my friend, and today I'm proud to call him a partner and a supporter.

I want to thank Larry for all he's done over the last three years to raise awareness of the great need for a new direction in Washington and for real representation for Idaho. He has worked so very hard to shine a light on the terrible record of Bill Sali. That's why I am honored and humbled by Larry's decision, and I will not him or his supporters down.

Over the last few months Larry Grant and I have campaigned at picnics, at town-hall meetings, at schools and in people's homes. We've both spoken passionately about suffering schools, about the struggles of the middle class and about Idahoans who can't pay their medical bills. We've seen the terrible impacts from our nation's broken energy policy. And just this week we've both grieved along with all of Idaho about two native sons who gave their lives in Iraq.

These are difficult times. Getting through them will take the kind of bridge-building and collaboration Larry Grant showed today. It will take reaching out to every Idahoan and working together to find solutions to the problems facing this state and this nation. It will take real leadership. And it will take a real change in Washington.

With your help, with the support of Larry Grant and his grassroots team, with the support of Cecil Andrus, with the support of independents, of Democrats, of Republicans - of Idahoans - we can together  make that change.

Between now and November I will do everything I can to demonstrate that I will be an effective congressman for Idaho, someone who can again make our state proud.