Idaho Statesman’s endorsement for Idaho Senate: Ali Rabe
The two candidates running for the Senate seat in Idaho’s District 17 have several similarities.
They both favor Medicaid expansion as approved by voters without sideboards. They both favor raising the homeowners exemption and tying it to an index to provide residential property tax relief. They both support raising the minimum wage. They both favor eliminating the state’s sales tax on groceries. Both favor adding the words “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the Idaho Human Rights Act. Both favor keeping the state’s initiative process as is and not making it more difficult to get an initiative on the ballot.
Democrat Ali Rabe and Republican Gary Smith have few differences that would make it easy to make an endorsement in this race, the winner of which replaces retiring Sen. Maryanne Jordan.
But one key difference on public education funding tilts the scales in favor of Rabe, who would be a strong advocate for increasing funding.
We also believe that it’s important to have a strong two-party system in Idaho, which is now greatly diminished, with just seven Democrats in the Senate.
Jordan, herself, has endorsed Rabe to fill her spot, and we concur.
Rabe earns the Idaho Statesman’s endorsement for state Senate in District 17.
On public education funding, Rabe said she would work to increase public education funding by looking at eliminating sales tax exemptions and tapping the state’s internet sales tax fund.
Smith repeats the familiar Republican refrain, “I don’t just want to throw money at it,” which we don’t accept as an excuse for not increasing per pupil public education funding in Idaho, which ranks 51st in the nation.
Smith supports maintaining public education funding and giving smaller districts more flexibility in how they spend the money.
Smith said he wouldn’t argue against more funding, but he’d like to see a plan for how that money is spent.
For us, we’d rather see a legislator go to the Capitol and argue strenuously for more money for public education. Rabe would be that advocate.
“My mom was a teacher in the school district for 30 years, and I definitely saw first-hand how our schools are underfunded,” Rabe said. “And I think the state has continually shirked its own constitutional responsibility to fund public education.”
She rightly connects public education funding with the property tax issue, noting that dozens of school districts are operating on supplemental levies approved by voters and paid by property taxes.
She also notes that businesses repeatedly complain that they are unable to fill high-paying jobs, costing the state in income tax revenue.
Rabe, as a legislator, also said she would focus on her area of expertise: housing.
A graduate of Middleton High School and College of Idaho, Rabe earned a law degree from William & Mary Law School and is now the executive director of Jesse Tree, a nonprofit organization preventing eviction and homelessness for low-income families in the Treasure Valley.
One of her main goals is funding the Idaho Housing Trust Fund, coupled with reforming tenant-landlord laws.
Even as a member of the superminority party in the Idaho Legislature, Rabe could prove to be effective in crafting and implementing legislation in these areas.
“Idaho is in a situation where, especially the Treasure Valley, where homelessness and housing issues aren’t so bad that we can’t solve them, but we do need to get ahead of the problem and think about some big picture solutions now,” Rabe told the editorial board. “Including building more affordable housing, investing in the Housing Trust Fund, addressing some issues around landlord tenant law, continuing to invest in preventing eviction and homelessness from happening to our communities and to our neighbors.”
To be an advocate for public education funding and to keep a Democratic seat in the Senate Democrat, we urge voters to select Rabe for state Senate.
This story was originally published October 7, 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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