In his reply to a Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce question ("What qualifies you over others for the elected office you are seeking?"), state Rep. Bob Nonini writes: "I am actively running my insurance practice and my opponent is a retired school teacher. The Idaho Legislature has the second highest percentage of age 65 year olds or older that are retired. I believe that high of percentage of retired persons is not healthy in creating state laws. Those retired people are no longer dealing with the everyday issues that affect businesses." A supporter of Nonini's opponent e-mails Huckleberries Online to say: "I think Bob Nonini is bordering on 'age-ism' trash talk about Dave Larsen being too old to help make legislation." Nonini, of course, serves in House District 5 with octagenarian Frank Henderson.

Question: Do you think Nonini's statement is age-ist -- or simply stating the facts?