Who should represent Idaho in D.C.? The Statesman endorses these three candidates
U.S. Sen. Jim Risch has been in Idaho politics a long time.
He’s just wrapping up his second term and 12th year as a U.S. senator and his 50th year as an Idaho politician, including stints as Ada County prosecuting attorney, state senator, lieutenant governor and governor.
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We believe it’s time for someone else to represent Idaho in the U.S. Senate.
The Idaho Statesman editorial board endorses Risch’s Democratic challenger, Paulette Jordan, in the race for U.S. Senate.
Read the full endorsement editorial and watch video of our interview here.
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U.S. House of Representatives, 1st Congressional District
The differences on key issues between incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher and his Democratic challenger Rudy Soto are clear.
If elected, Soto vows to join the House Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan group of representatives committed to finding common ground on issues such as health care, immigration and criminal justice reform.
Fulcher, in his freshman term, is a member of the often-polarizing House Freedom Caucus and is among the representatives least likely to vote with or cosponsor legislation with members of the other party. He often has been part of very small minorities on votes, regularly disagreeing with even his fellow Idaho representative, Mike Simpson.
Unfortunately, in Washington’s hyperpartisan political climate, members of Congress are less and less able to even discuss issues in a bipartisan manner, let alone to develop solutions.
Fulcher is too often part of the problem and is not part of the solutions that our country desperately needs.
It’s time to send someone else to Congress to let go of partisan bickering and to bring solutions back to Idaho constituents.
You can read our full endorsement editorial and watch interviews with both candidates here.
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U.S. House of Representatives, 2nd Congressional District
Aaron Swisher may be an unlikely Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. An economist by trade and a self-described capitalist, he speaks in detail about solving the federal budget deficit and improving the economy through tax policy. But he also has blue-collar bona fides: He’s the son of a postal carrier and a bank teller who grew up in rural West Virginia.
Swisher, 48, is challenging longtime incumbent Republican Rep. Mike Simpson, 70, who has done a lot for Idaho and the 2nd Congressional District, particularly when it comes to public lands and agriculture.
Simpson helped create the Boulder-White Clouds Wilderness Area, which he considers his greatest achievement in his 20 years as a legislator, and helped pass the Great American Outdoors Act, which ensures permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
We believe Idaho needs a representative who will seriously address the budget deficit, create a fairer economy with practical solutions and take seriously the legislative role of being a check on the executive branch.
Read our full endorsement editorial and watch a video of our interview with Swisher here.
State and county races
Read other endorsements in state legislative and county races, including for Ada County Commission and Ada County Highway District, by visiting our editorials page here.
This story was originally published October 28, 2020 at 9:46 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.
Want your say?
Readers are encouraged to express their thoughts by submitting a letter to the editor. Click on “Submit a letter or opinion” at idahostatesman.com/opinion.
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