Endorsement: Former state senator seeks to take his seat back | Opinion
We wish the Republican voters in Canyon County’s District 11, which includes Caldwell, had better options.
Chris Trakel, who was unseated two years ago by now-Sen. Camille Blaylock, is seeking to retake his seat.
We give Trakel great credit for meeting with the Idaho Statesman editorial board, and we appreciate that he stands by his convictions to answer tough questions and give honest answers.
And many of his answers are reasonable and show that he can change his position and think for himself.
He said he’s opposed to the school choice tax credit because the credit is more than each individual puts into the public education system. He opposes an effort to ban mRNA vaccines, recognizing that it’s a violation of an individual’s medical freedom. He opposed 4% cuts to Medicaid, arguing that across-the-board cuts hurt deserving recipients.
While Trakel was a state senator, he left the Freedom Caucus because he came to believe it was creating division in the Republican Party and was not sticking just to the Republican platform.
But Trakel also gives some troubling answers that prevent us from giving him our endorsement.
While he was senator, he proposed a transgender bathroom bill that eventually became the bill that passed this session. He argues that transgender people have a mental illness and need mental health treatment, not accommodation.
He argues that the current fiscal shortfall that the state finds itself in is a result of too much spending and not the $4.5 billion in tax cuts and rebates over the past several years.
But at least Trakel gave answers.
We can’t say the same for Blaylock, who didn’t even respond to requests for an interview.
We don’t find that to be behavior becoming of a legislator. She could at least have the professional courtesy of responding and saying no. We have to wonder if this is how she treats her constituents.
Blaylock also voted in favor of the school choice tax credit and voted to eliminate the Women’s Commission.
Other than that, we don’t know much about her record and didn’t get an opportunity to ask her.
Perhaps if she could articulate her positions and her votes, we could endorse her.
Unfortunately, neither candidate in this race has earned our vote of confidence.
Statesman editorials are the opinion of the Idaho Statesman’s editorial board. Board members are opinion editor Scott McIntosh, opinion writer Bryan Clark, editor Chadd Cripe, assistant editor Jim Keyser and community members John Hess, Debbie McCormick and Julie Yamamoto.
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, assistant editor 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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