Idaho GOP candidates refusing to debate are like Wizard of Oz, hiding behind curtain
Debates
Here’s an interesting question for all Idahoans. Why are so many of the GOP incumbents refusing to debate their opponents? Representatives Simpson and Fulcher aren’t debating their opponents. Also, it’s the same for Governor Little. There are several down ticket races where other GOP candidates aren’t debating anyone.
One could reasonably assume that they don’t have much to say about things accomplished that actually helped Idahoans. What’s the problem? Could it be that they might be asked embarrassing questions such as, “What’s your position on women’s rights?” “Do you support public education?” “How about repealing the grocery tax?” “What would you do about reducing property taxes?” “Where do you stand on public lands?” Could it be that they are like the Wizard of Oz, just a scared person hiding behind a curtain?
The answers to these questions could help voters make an informed decision in November. Decisions could be made on what the candidates said or did rather than just having an “R” behind their names on the ballot. Wouldn’t that be nice?
Jefferson said it best when he wrote about an “informed electorate” being essential to a functioning democracy. Be an informed voter and think about this on Nov. 8.
Gil Beyer, Sandpoint
Peterson for Congress
Hard work. Integrity. Hospitality. Leaving things better than they were found.
These are the Idaho values I was raised on. It’s time Idaho’s representatives embodied Idaho values!
The past few years, I’ve been embarrassed by the smugness, negligence and extremism of some Idaho officials. A few have gotten too big for their britches. Russ Fulcher has spent over $300,000 on his campaign while refusing to debate his opponent. Mike Simpson’s campaign surpasses $1 million. Mike Crapo? Over $6 million!
On the other hand, Kaylee Peterson is traveling to meet hard-working Idahoans. She’s asking about our issues. Her campaign barely exceeds $20,000. The Idaho I know values character over money. Kaylee is working to earn your respect and support. She’s a sixth-generation Idahoan who’s knowledgeable, passionate and committed to working across the aisle for Idahoans.
Officials must be held accountable for shirking responsibilities. Elections shouldn’t be bought. Let’s look past Republican, Democrat or independent. Let’s elect Idaho candidates with Idaho values.
Join me in voting Kaylee Peterson, a woman of Idaho values, for Congress.
Lacey Rae Watkins, Moscow
Pesina for Legislature
Vote for Marisela Pesina for Idaho Legislature Rep 11B! Marisela grew up working in sugar beet and onion fields and commuting between South Texas and Idaho — so she knows the value of hard work! After fighting to be allowed to complete her own education, Marisela is now chair of the Caldwell school board and has served on the board since 2017 working to ensure that a new generation of students has full access to education and better employment opportunities. Her own education allowed her opportunities beyond the fields and Marisela currently works as an escrow officer and knows both local business and real estate issues — including solutions to our property tax inequities, which have long been ignored by the current Legislature. In addition to being a champion of education, Marisela knows the value of keeping public lands public and keeping natural space available for all Idahoans regardless of income. Make Idaho better — please vote for Marisela in November!
Rex Hanson, Caldwell
Open primaries
Idaho should open our primaries. The majority of people want open primaries nationwide — it has 70% support nationally. In Idaho, open primaries are extremely important because Idaho is effectively a one party state as far as national politics is concerned. If people aren’t able to participate in the Republican primary, they often don’t get a meaningful say in our state’s most political process. Only 12 states have closed primaries, and Idaho has been closed only since 2011 — this is a step backward! We the people pay for primaries and every tax-paying citizen should be able to vote in them.
Hanni M. Hallen, Lewiston
Inflation
All hail Biden. Although I prefer my news from sources more centrist than Fox, I still don’t understand how so many can give Biden “credit” for inflation. Prices in the UK are rising at the fastest rate in 40 years. It isn’t difficult to learn that inflation is a worldwide issue right now. Nonetheless, “thanks Biden.”
Donna Carlson, Boise