Popkey: Gov. Otter resists the temptation to retaliate

When the Legislature quit earlier this month after refusing Gov. Butch Otter his fuel tax increase, he hinted he might have another veto up his sleeve just for payback's sake.

Among the measures awaiting his approval was House Bill 374, authored by Otter's most over-the-top foe, Rep. Bob Nonini, R-Coeur d'Alene. Nonini had been gavelled down in the House for firing hot words at Otter.

In his end-of-session press conference, Otter said he suspected some of those who "attacked my integrity" in debate "would want to retract some of those words. But once spoken, it's like trying to unring a bell."

Was Otter threatening a veto? "No comment," he replied tersely, suggesting he was still ticked but allowing himself room to think. Ten days later, Otter quietly signed Nonini's bill on virtual schools.

Former Gov. Phil Batt, who expects his friend to seek a second term next year, praised Otter's calm.

"That's a positive trait, and I think it will serve him well," Batt said. "Even those legislators that did in some of his proposals still indicate they have warm feelings toward Butch. There'll be another year coming."

Lt. Gov. Brad Little, appointed by Otter in January, said the governor's even temper has been one of the surprises of serving with him. "I'm shocked at how retribution is not the default thing for him to do," Little said. "Sweet revenge is not part of his nature."

Jerry Deckard, a good friend of Otter's for more than 30 years, described the governor's view: "Until the blood runs out of my back, I'm going to be your friend."

"I've never known Butch Otter to hold a grudge - never," said Deckard, a lobbyist, former lawmaker and former Eagle mayor.

Part of this springs from Otter's amicable nature. But a significant aspect is his devotion to the Constitution, says Boise State political scientist Gary Moncrief.

"This is a guy who really does revere the Founders and the separation of powers," Moncrief said. "You're better off treating people with respect. If you've got to bring the hammer down, you do it, but it should always be your last option."

Otter spoke of the Founders on the Legislature's final day, saying, "I don't think government should be force. I don't think government should be threats and operating in the shadows of reasonableness. As messy as it is sometimes, as difficult as it is sometimes, I think that the branches of government should exhaust themselves in the respect that they show each other."

Batt said Otter "tried as hard as anybody could" but finally realized a tax hike was out of reach. The recession was the root of Otter's woes. Even in liberal California voters turned down tax hikes to balance the budget.

Vetoing Nonini's bill out of spite would have been a mistake, Batt said. "Things should be decided on the merits."

Nonini's temper got the better of him at least twice this year, once with Otter and another time with Little. That prompted a new Statehouse shorthand for such outbursts, "Going Nonini."

Still, Senate Transportation Committee Chairman John McGee, R-Caldwell, among Otter's staunchest allies, said Otter was right to resist a retaliatory veto. "The governor signed the bill because he thinks it was the right thing to do. I find it refreshing. He has separated himself from a lot of the games played in politics."

Otter even suggested he'd help re-elect Nonini and another loud anti-tax critic, Rep. Raul Labrador, R-Eagle. Otter said he expects to be focusing on raising money for his own campaign, but added, "I have never turned anyone down when asked."

Dan Popkey: 377-6438