Gov. Butch Otter’s blasting U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill for failing to honor Idaho values of freedom and the marketplace is in sharp contrast with testimony from Idaho GOP Sens. Larry Craig and Dirk Kempthorne as they urged Winmill’s speedy Senate confirmation 19 years ago. Kempthorne said Winmill was a keeper of Biblical judicial values and “more than just a good lawyer,” as a “family-oriented man dedicated to the youth of his community.” Otter spokesman Jon Hanian said this week of the governor’s critique of Winmill’s non-Idaho values: “Res ipsa loquitor” — Latin for “the thing speaks for itself.” Appearing with Winmill before the Senate Judiciary Committee on July 18, 1995, Kempthorne and Craig attested to Winmill’s character, judicial temperament, intellect and work ethic/Dan Popkey, Idaho Statesman. More here.

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