Has Gov. Butch Otter changed his stand on repeal of the 17th Amendment? Today during a campaign debate before an audience of more than 400, Otter was asked by moderator Jim Weatherby, posing an audience-submitted question, "Governor, where do you stand on the 17th Amendment?…
Here's a news item from the Associated Press: BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A panel appointed to set pay for state lawmakers has decided against salary cuts, recommending that legislators keep their current salaries at $16,116 a year. The Legislative Compensation Committee approved the recommendation Wednesday…
In their closing statements at today's City Club of Boise debate, the two major-party candidates for governor sounded the themes of their campaigns. "In these tough times, it's not enough to just talk about the founding fathers," said challenger Keith Allred. "Today we need a…
Asked about possible repeal of the 17th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution - the amendment that established popular election of U.S. senators - Gov. Butch Otter said, "I want Idahoans to elect our U.S. senators. I have said time and time again, and I'll say…
Asked about which tax exemptions he'd eliminate, gubernatorial challenger Keith Allred said ski resorts get a sales tax exemption that golf courses don't, and there's no reason other than this: "The ski resorts had a better lobbyist than the golf courses." That got a laugh…
Butch Otter and Keith Allred have been quickly and directly addressing lots of questions: Road funding, parks funding, what their opponent does better than them, the Boulder-White Clouds wilderness (Otter against, Allred for), and education cuts. "Obviously it was painful for us to do," Otter…
The first question in today's Boise City Club debate was on whether the two major-party candidates for governor support a "proper investigation" into allegations of special deals at the state Tax Commission for influential taxpayers. "I do support a proper investigation of it, in fact…
Democratic challenger Keith Allred, in his opening statement, said his goal is to "advance our priorities, not the priorities of political parties and special interests." As for those priorities, he said, "Two rise above the rest - first keep the tax burden on Idaho families…
The two candidates for governor each have a five-minute opening statement. By coin toss, Gov. Butch otter went first. "Four years ago, I was honored and humbled to become your governor, and since that time the economic landscape ... has changed very dramatically," he said.…
There's a very full house for the Boise City Club debate today between Gov. Butch Otter and Democratic challenger Keith Allred. It's the biggest crowd the city club ever has had, with more than 400 reservations for lunch and an additional 70-plus listening in. The…
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