Statesman endorsement: Our choice for the Idaho House Democratic primary in District 16
Colin Nash has the background and experience to hit the ground running as a state legislator. His qualifications and his firm grasp of a wide range of issues that he would face earn him the Idaho Statesman editorial board’s endorsement in the Democratic primary for the Idaho House of Representatives in District 16.
He faces Geoff Stephenson, who impressed our board with his intelligence, familiarity with some issues and straightforward honesty.
At the beginning of our interview with the candidates, Stephenson was upfront.
“I’m just going to have to be honest with you all,” Stephenson said when asked why voters should select him over his opponent. “Voters are not going to select me over Colin. He’s got the money, he’s got the backing, and he’s going to win this race, I’m pretty sure.”
Stephenson said he’s an issue candidate: namely, marijuana legalization in Idaho.
But we give him credit for being more than just a one-issue candidate, as he connected the issue of marijuana to a host of things needing attention, including criminal justice, felony and misdemeanor expungement, and taxes.
But Nash demonstrated a wider range of knowledge and recognition of issues that he would be able to address realistically as a member of the minority party in a Republican-dominated Legislature.
Nash also has experience at the Statehouse, having served as a legal aide and as a substitute legislator for Reps. Rob Mason and John McCrostie the past two sessions.
He said he already has built relationships in the Statehouse, which gives him an advantage in this race.
Nash said his top priority would be legislation that gives cities and counties the tools they need to deal with growth.
After that, he would prioritize health care and education, connecting both issues personally to his young son, who has Crohn’s disease and will be entering kindergarten in the fall.
In recognizing that he would be in the minority party, Nash strikes a realistic but optimistic tone.
“Having worked there, I’m not going into it thinking that I’m going to bring about systemic change with my election,” Nash said. “I think a minority legislator has three goals: stop the very worst stuff, make a big fuss about the things you can’t (stop) and win in the margins.”
He said he’d look for places where he can get agreement from other legislators.
While he said he’d push back against such bills as the one that passed this year prohibiting transgender girls and women from participating in girls and women’s sports, he said he’s disappointed that such issues take up so much time and effort.
“I’d like the Legislature to spend more time on bread-and-butter issues like education, health care and giving local jurisdictions the ability to manage growth,” he said.
Stephenson, meanwhile, said he supported the transgender sports legislation.
Nash and Stephenson said they approve of Gov. Brad Little’s performance during the coronavirus outbreak, and his stay-home order and current reopening plan, and they both caution against being too heavy-handed with enforcement, although Stephenson suggested that the state could exercise enforcement through permitting, such as liquor licenses, in the case of bars that reopen early in violation.
While marijuana legalization is the top issue for Stephenson, Nash diplomatically said it’s not a primary issue that he would focus on as a legislator. Still, he has an opinion, saying he is interested in decriminalizing, and stating that “we are exporting people out of state to be incarcerated because they possess something that’s legal in Oregon. It’s absurd.” But he recognizes that there is strong opposition to any legalization in Idaho, which makes it “a long way to go before” something is done.
While both candidates did not differ greatly on other issues, such as criminal justice reform and property tax relief, Nash demonstrates a broader knowledge of the issues and a better understanding of what his role would be in a Republican-dominated Legislature.
This story was originally published May 6, 2020 at 4:00 AM.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREHow we write endorsements
Who decides the endorsements?
Members of Idaho Statesman editorial board interview political candidates, as well as advocates and opponents of ballot measures. The editorial board is composed of journalists and community members. Members of the Statesman editorial board are: Statesman editor Chadd Cripe, opinion editor Scott McIntosh, opinion writer Bryan Clark, newsroom editors Dana Oland and Jim Keyser and community members John Hess, Debbie McCormick and Julie Yamamoto.
What does the endorsement process entail?
The Statesman editorial board meets with political candidates and asks them a series of questions about policy issues. The editorial board discusses the candidates in each race. Board members seek to reach a consensus on the endorsements, but not every decision is unanimous. The editorial board generally will not endorse a candidate who does not agree to an interview with the board members.
Is the editorial board partisan?
No. In making endorsements, members of the editorial board consider which candidates are well-prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they belong to a particular political party. We evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, their readiness for office, their depth of knowledge of key issues and their understanding of public policy. We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points. The editorial board will endorse both Republicans and Democrats. We make recommendations about who the best-qualified candidates for these jobs are.
Why are endorsements unsigned?
Endorsements reflect the collective views of the Statesman’s editorial board — not just the opinion of one writer. Board members all discuss and contribute ideas to each endorsement editorial.
Do I have to vote for the candidate the Statesman endorses?
Of course not. An endorsement is just our recommendation based on the candidates’ backgrounds and their answers to editorial board questions.
Can I disagree with the Statesman’s endorsement?
Of course you can. We encourage voters to do their own research and choose the candidate who best represents your views.
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