Endorsement: Democratic newcomer seeks to turn Boise House seat back to blue. Our pick | Opinion
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2024 Election endorsements
The Idaho Statesman editorial board’s endorsements for Ada County Commission, state Legislature and U.S. House of Representatives in the 2024 general election.
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It’s unfortunate that Idaho Rep. Dori Healey, R-Boise, is opposed to Proposition 1, the open primaries and ranked choice voting initiative that’s on the ballot.
She’s the type of Republican who probably would benefit from it.
Instead, Healey seems to be feeling the pressure from the more extreme factions of her party to take extreme positions on such issues as abortion, gender-affirming care and library books.
While her opponent, challenger Democrat Shari Baber, is not as informed on the issues as we’d like her to be, she acknowledges that she’s new, has a lot to learn and that she’s doing her research.
The Idaho Statesman endorses Shari Baber for the Idaho House in District 15, seat B, representing West Boise.
Baber is the owner of Cut ‘n Up and Company salon and started the Boise Soul Food Festival. She raised her children in Boise, where she’s lived for 30 years.
Despite her political inexperience, Baber was clear and confident in her answers when interviewed by the editorial board.
Baber supports keeping the state government out of medical decisions, including abortion and gender-affirming care for youth and opposes the state’s library book ban and bounty bill.
Healey, meanwhile, wouldn’t be specific about whether she’d work to fix Idaho’s abortion ban, which is leaving uncertainty in medical care when the health of the mother is in jeopardy and is driving doctors out of the state. Healey also voted in favor of the state’s library book ban and bounty bill.
Baber said she opposes any school voucher, education savings account or tax credit for private education. Healey is open to it but said she would have voted against the most recent tax credit bill that passed the Senate last session but failed to make it to the House floor.
Healey, a registered nurse who owns a medical practice, is more thoughtful and less dogmatic than other Republican candidates. She doesn’t quite fall into that right-wing extremist camp.
She introduced legislation to reinstate the state’s Maternal Mortality Review Committee, for example, and said she supports postpartum health coverage for up to 12 months.
But that said, at the end of the day, Healey has delivered results that are bad for Idaho: She’s not interested in fixing Idaho’s strict abortion ban despite its problems, and she voted in favor of banning gender-affirming care for youth.
If Proposition 1 passes, Republican legislators like Healey might feel less pressure to go along with the extremist faction of their party. Healey has the potential to be a thoughtful leader.
Until then, though, Baber deserves the vote of residents in District 15.
This story was originally published October 22, 2024 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.
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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