The House has voted 64-4 in favor of HB 650, Rep. Ken Andrus' animal cruelty bill; the measure now moves to a Senate committee. The only “no” votes came from Reps. Barrett, Barbieri, Hart and Harwood. In his closing debate, Andrus, R-Lava Hot Springs, said, “I don't care if we're the only state that doesn't have animal cruelty for a felony if we're right. But I think there is some concern about … treatment of animals. … I think this is a reasonable approach.” He said, “I don't guarantee you that this will stop initiatives”/Betsy Russell, Eye On Boise. More here.

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Question: Are you amazed that two of the four votes against the animal cruelty bill came from Reps. Phil Hart & Vito Barbieri in the same North Idaho House District?