As the debate over Idaho Gov. Butch Otter's proposed state health insurance exchange heats up, a North Idaho senator has sent out a mass email and posted a message on Twitter comparing the role of insurance companies to "the Jews boarding the trains to concentration camps," saying the federal government is using private insurers and in the future will "pull the trigger" on them.

Sen. Sheryl Nuxoll, R-Cottonwood, defends her analogy. “I just want people to hear the truth and to be aware that what is being presented before us is a socialistic program,” Nuxoll said Wednesday.  “There is no disrespect for any group or people with the analogy. … I just want people to know the truth.” Nuxoll sent the email out Jan. 23 to more than 120 email addresses, and also posted the message on Twitter.

Senate President Pro-Tem Brent Hill R-Rexburg, said he doesn’t fault her. “This is a very emotional issue for a lot of people,” Hill said. “There’s a lot of ‘stuff’ going around, a lot of information, a lot of viewpoints being expressed. As we get closer to making that decision, the rhetoric’s going to get more dramatic.” He added, “I don’t think this is exclusive to Sen. Nuxoll.” You can read my full story here at spokesman.com.