Full slate of debates set in Idaho races

BOISE – A full slate of political debates stretches before Idaho voters, who are mulling decisions on every statewide office in November. The “Idaho Debates,” a tradition in the state of more than three decades’ standing, will feature seven debates broadcast live statewide on Idaho Public Television, co-sponsored by the Idaho Press Club and the League of Women Voters of Idaho. In addition, other groups also are sponsoring candidate forums and debates – including a local debate in Coeur d’Alene in the governor’s race that’s free and open to the public. “I’m just delighted to see there’s that much activity, and there are a lot of very interesting races, so I hope the public tunes in or follows these debates and forums closely,” said longtime Idaho political observer Jim Weatherby, a professor emeritus at Boise State University. “There’s a lot at stake.” Weatherby said debates are particularly important for voters who may be exposed to selective messages from candidates through advertising or other means. “It helps fill in the picture as to who these people really are, rather than hiding behind their campaign ads or the websites or brochures that are carefully prepared,” he said. In addition to putting candidates on the spot about their positions on issues and showing them head-to-head with their opponents, he said, debates show “how effectively they can respond to criticism.” The Coeur Group, a networking group of young businessmen in Coeur d’Alene, is sponsoring the local debate in the governor’s race. It’s the first time the group has put on a statewide debate; its past efforts have included debates and forums in local and legislative races, and community, civic and charitable projects. “This is definitely a big stage for us,” said Jimmy McAndrew, co-founder and vice president of the group and a home mortgage loan officer in Coeur d’Alene. The Oct. 3 debate, likely during the noon hour, will be held at the Coeur d’Alene Library’s community room, which can seat 160, and broadcast live on local CdATV, which also broadcasts city council meetings. “We’re hoping that we will have 160 of the most engaged citizens in Kootenai County, and we’re going to invite everybody that’s on the ballot,” McAndrew said. The Coeur Group, which has been active for about 10 years, was contacted by Gov. Butch Otter’s campaign about putting on a North Idaho debate, and ran with the idea, McAndrew said. “It’s kind of an honor,” he said. Other groups sponsoring debates include the Idaho Falls City Club, which will host a gubernatorial debate on Oct. 9; the City Club of Boise, which will hold forums in the state schools superintendent and Idaho Secretary of State races, respectively, on Sept. 26 and Oct. 6; the Twin Falls Times-News, which has announced debates between gubernatorial candidates A.J. Balukoff and John Bujak and in the superintendent’s race; and Boise TV station KTVB, which is holding debates in races including governor, superintendent and U.S. Senate. Here is the schedule for the statewide debates on Idaho Public TV: Oct. 7, 7 p.m.: Idaho Secretary of State debate, featuring Republican Lawerence Denney and Democrat Holli Woodings Oct. 9, 7 p.m.: 1st Congressional District debate, featuring GOP Rep. Raul Labrador and Democratic challenger Shirley Ringo Oct. 9, 8:30 p.m.: Idaho state treasurer debate, featuring GOP Treasurer Ron Crane and Democratic challenger Deborah Silver Oct. 21, 7 p.m.: Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction debate, featuring GOP candidate Sherri Ybarra and Democratic candidate Jana Jones Oct. 26, 7 p.m.: 2nd Congressional District debate, featuring GOP Rep. Mike Simpson and Democratic challenger Richard Stallings Oct. 30, 7 p.m.: Idaho governor debate, featuring GOP Gov. Butch Otter, Democratic challenger A.J. Balukoff, and Libertarian candidate John Bujak Oct. 30, 8:30 p.m.: Idaho lieutenant governor debate, featuring GOP Lt. Gov. Brad Little and Democratic challenger Bert Marley A debate in the U.S. Senate race had been scheduled for Oct. 12, but was canceled after GOP Sen. Jim Risch declined to participate. Risch’s campaign manager, Melinda Smyser, said in a letter to Idaho Debates organizers, “It has been the senator’s custom to do one debate with his opponent,” and Risch already has agreed to debate Democratic challenger Nels Mitchell on Boise TV station KTVB. The station will provide the debate for re-broadcast by stations elsewhere in the state. Mitchell decried Risch’s decision, saying it was “disappointing but not surprising. After all, he has a very long record, and it is not a record to be proud of. … Risch clearly doesn’t want to defend his last six years as a do-nothing senator.”