Let's take another look at the politics of the individuals involved in the constant attacks against the city, LCDC, Kroc Center, etc.

Dan Gookin: former Libertarian turned Republican (ran for precinct committeeman in 2004. Dunno if he won.)

Larry Spencer: uberconservative who actively supported two extreme conservatives in the Bonner County commissioner races in 2006

Kathy Sims: former Republican state senator, county Republican chairman

Sharon Culbreth: Republican candidate for state legislator in 2006

Duane Rasmussen: Republican precinct committeeman and (Pachyderm Club prez or veep?)

Matt Roetter: Repub precinct committeeman and key figure in the unsuccessful anti-gay initiative a few years back

Mary Souza: dunno political credentials but unsuccessful candidate for city council two years ago and fiscally conservative (coached by uberconservative Don Morgan in council race)

Don Morgan (in the background): uberconservative, former state chair of the term limits drive.

Tom Macy: former Libertarian/Independent candidate for county commissioner and an individual who joined Kathy Sims a few years ago in successfully fighting the local-option sales tax.

If I haven't forgotten everyone, I'll rest my case with these nine Republicans/conservatives -- nine as in the Tolkien's fellowship. Or in this case the Fellowship of the Political Also-Rans. You can toss in Hagadone who supports them behind the scenes through his newspaper and has his own political beef to settle in that he's still steaming over the rebuff for his downtown garden plans by Mayor Sandi Bloem and the unanimous vote of the council to send the matter to the public (and almost always supports Republicans). Have I made my case that this is a Repub/conservative issue?

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