House Dems close caucus, bar Popkey
Eight years after House Democrats opened their caucuses – while majority Republican caucuses remained closed – they held a closed caucus Tuesday on fuel taxes, barring Idaho Statesman reporter Dan Popkey from entry. The Dems had asked for a five-minute recess during the fuel tax debate in the House, went into a room off the House floor, and closed the door. Popkey reported that he knocked on the door, Rep. Phylis King, D-Boise, answered, and he asked, “Is this caucus open?” “No,” she replied, shutting the door. House Minority Caucus Chairman Bill Killen, D-Boise, later apologized to Popkey and said Democrats haven’t changed their policy and their caucuses officially remain open. You can read Popkey’s full story here in today's Idaho Statesman.