When I woke up after a long day of campaigning in Bonneville County and saw the Idaho Statesman's endorsement of David Sneddon for the Democratic primary in District 2, I was quite startled. David Sneddon has not been an active participant in the campaign. He was invited to two debates, one on PBS, the other at Idaho State University. I agreed to attend both; he declined.
I have actively fundraised, with some success; as far as I can tell, Sneddon has not actively sought contributions. I have traveled extensively across the 2nd District, explaining my positions on the issues that matter to Idahoans. I believe that Sneddon has not appeared at any rallies or party events. As a matter of fact, Sneddon declined to debate the issues in any public forum. Sneddon hasn't even set up a Web site. If the Democratic Party is to be competitive in Idaho, we must run vigorous, active campaigns. I have done this, and my opponent has not.
The Statesman based its endorsement on the idea that I am somehow out of touch with Idaho issues and am merely a generic progressive candidate. I do not believe that the Idaho Statesman meant to imply that the issues of Iraq, education, financial reform and affordable health care are not important to Idaho voters. It is crucial that the voters understand how I will vote on issues that will face the next Congress. Sneddon is extremely vague on national affairs. I have traveled across eastern Idaho, and what I have found is that my message of substantial reform resonates with many Idahoans who have been suffering from governmental neglect.
Sneddon wants to breach the dams, a position the Statesman calls "gutsy." Gutsy, yes, but also bad policy. I am the more environmentally friendly candidate. Sneddon told the Idaho Falls Post Register that he wishes to replace the dams with liquid coal power plants, which have higher carbon emission rates than oil-based plants and would leave dangerous amounts of acidic waste. Whatever the faults of hydropower, at least it doesn't poison Idaho's air and, potentially, its water supply.
If you want a Democratic candidate who will stand up to Republicans, vote for me on May 27. If you want a Democrat who has not actively campaigned and who endorsed Sen. Larry Craig over Ambassador Alan Blinken, the Democratic candidate in 2002, then Sneddon is a reasonable alternative.
Debbie Holmes is a Democratic candidate running for Idaho's 2nd Congressional District.
