The Senate has voted 50-19 in favor legislation for a new $2 million presidential primary election on the second Tuesday of March, over objections from Democrats, and a handful of Republicans, who said the political parties – not the state – should pay for that. “This bill is nothing but a cost shift from the general fund to supporting a political party,” declared House Minority Leader John Rusche, D-Lewiston. Rep. Vito Barbieri, R-Dalton Gardens, was among those speaking out in favor of the measure, SB 1066. “The role of government is to make sure that elections are done uniformly and safely,” he told the House. “This bill is nothing but a cost shift from the general fund to supporting a political party,” declared House Minority Leader John Rusche, D-Lewiston. Rep. Vito Barbieri, R-Dalton Gardens, was among those speaking out in favor of the measure, SB 1066. “The role of government is to make sure that elections are done uniformly and safely,” he told the House/Betsy Russell, Eye on Boise. More here.

Question: There is no way to explain this vote other than follow-the-leader sheep mentality from North Idaho's legislators. Absolutely shameful that our legislators would vote to waste money to attract some 2nd-tier GOP presidential candidates to the region. Thoughts?