Let the man do his job!

Saw the piece by DC reporter Erika Bolstad in the Idaho Statesman today regarding the National GOP's proposed targeting of Walt Minnick....hmm.

I'm thinking that shy of a dozen or so people in Idaho, I have some of the best political history and experience to wade into the waters to discuss the issue of running against any sitting Democrat, currently occupying the 1st CD. Almost a decade ago I ran for that seat. In the almost 20 years that I've been in Idaho politics, I've run races, run propositions, run a referendum, helped folks with whom I have not had a 100% agreement...on and on.

So, what I have to say may have some weight.

Let Congressman Minnick alone. Let the man do his job. Even the Dems didn't wade into Bill Sali's race until the election year...

My goodness, that '08 election year is almost tucked away in the history books ( ask Minnesota's Al Franken...) and the National GOP is already quaking the ground around us? C'mon...Idaho's 1st CD elected Walt, just as they previously elected my close friend, Bill Sali - two years prior.

Did I support Bill in his Congressional re-election campaing? Yes, of course I did. But Walt won. Idaho wanted Walt. I wish Bill would serve the people of Idaho again one day.

I know what it's like to lose this type of election. Idaho wanted Butch Otter in 2000...and we got a darn good Congressman. Let Walt Minnick prove himself for Idaho.

If he doesn't represent Idaho, then Idahoans will speak their mind in 2010. They'll always be a gaggle of GOPers who will run for that seat.

But for right now, honor the man and let him honor us, don't you think?

Den

Comments

[Dennis]

Thanks, Adam.
Individual candidates can do as they please. My point is that the people of Idaho are sick to death of on-going political party activism that undercuts the need to have good and healthy government. We are either a country that governs itself...or we are a group of political hack-parties which live to see others (of the opposing party)fail.

My call is that we need to succeed as a nation. There is no monopoly on truth when it comes to political party policies, is there?
Den

[Adam Graham]

Both Larry Grant and Walt Minnick were criticizing Bill Sali back in January, 2007 and fronting themselves as candidates for Congress, along with Rand Lewis.

[Lee Gaupp]

Fair enough - they need to sell papers and maybe the article will help them. The article was well written, I guess I question the title of the article more than the content.

For me it boils down that I find myself between a "r" and a "bluedog" and I'm happy with Walt.

[Dennis]

Thanks, Lee, for your input.

Don't be too harsh on the Statesman, though. Erika Bolstad is an amazing reporter in DC. I have a great deal of respect for her...so, my call is that the story DOES have a big impact back there...and should have an even bigger impact out here. Hence the front page.

Den

[Lee Gaupp]

Just my 2 cents - I've seen what Walt has done and I've liked so far what he's done. I'm a little r, but I don't consider myself a rino as many of the conservative folk would like to say. I think Walt has done a good job so far and I'm waiting to see more. Time will tell and I'll be looking more closely in the future. I chuckle when some of the bluegirl types moan how they are not happy with Walt - makes me think Walt is a good match for our district and the majority of people in our district.

I question the Statesman posting a frontpage article that, in my opinion, just stirs things up.