the unequivocal notion

Weekend Tunes

It is Weezer and their "Pork and Beans".

For those of you who spend more time online than in the yard you'll recognize a lot of the memes from the 'tubes.

Wilco tix for sale online

Contrary to what was released earlier, you can buy tix for the Aug. 20th Wilco show at Eagle Knoll online. You can still by them at the Co-Op, The Record Exchange or the Egyptian Theatre.

Get them here (today might I add -- I wouldn't be surprised to see this sell out pretty quickly).

Updated

Michael Deeds of the Idaho Statesman doesn't think that the tickets will sell out. I'd say that if the tickets to Wilco's show don't sell out, then Boiseans* can keep sitting here trying to figure out why all the really good bands pass Boise over.

*by Boiseans I mean Treasure Valley residents at large.

Idaho beer festival updates

Sadly; Michael Deeds reported last week in the Idaho Statesman that the Old Boise Brewers Beer Festival has been canceled this year because "... a slow economy, too-few sponsors and the lack of a suitable location". Sad news indeed for Boise imbibers -- but all hope isn't lost for good, they are looking to put it on in '09. We had a great time last year, although last year we were pretty beat after visiting The Reef mid-festival and then heading to the Front Door to close it out.

Not that Boise doesn't have a second, smaller, if not more wacky option. New Belgium Brewery's Tour de Fat will be riding (literally) into town on August 23rd. Looks like you can pick yourself up your very own New Belgium Brewery Fat Tire bike for $500.

But of course, the granddaddy of the Idaho beer festivals, The Mountain Brewers' Beer Festival in Idaho Falls is of course a green light for next weekend the 7th of June. The biggest beer festival in Idaho, The Mountain Brewers' Beer Festival has hundreds of beers from over 80 breweries this year. We've always had a good time at this festival. And for those of you that like to hang around these 'tubes, you're bound to see some of the guys from 43rd State Blues. $20 bucks for all-you-can-drink northwest brews for 6 hours. It's a long trek from the Valley to Idaho Falls, but it's worth it.

And you can't forget, with all three of these festivals, not only do you get to have a good time drinking with your fellow brew lovers, but they are all benefits for various local charities.

Updated

Boise Weekly has a story about the Mountain Brewers Beer Festival in Idaho Falls this weekend.

Cramer learns some lessons

Clayton Cramer, ex-candidate for a state Senate nomination in District 22 grasps why he didn't win the primary. I find it amusing a several levels. Namely, that it is everyone else's fault -- ya know, personal responsibility, accepting your own failures, "nice campaign Sen. Corder, maybe I look forward to challenging you again" and all.

Of course, not to be outdone by himself, this is the second post Cramer has written as to why it wasn't his fault he lost the primary.

I guess when you have no faults it just isn't conceivable for your loss to be your own fault.

Kymberly's BBQ in Nampa

Picked this up the other day for lunch; it's a small BBQ shack outside of Karcher Ranch Market on Karcher Road in Nampa. It's just a to-go kind of joint; there is no inside and no seating outside. It was actually really good, the picture doesn't really do it justice. I got it with their hot BBQ sauce which had just the perfect amount of kick to it. This is one of the places that will be getting several return trips; I hope they have a sit down place in their future plans.

This is the beef brisket sandwich w/ baked beans and macaroni salad, also came with sweet tea. All told the meal was about 8 bucks and I was back in my car in 5 minutes.

Political leanings and driving habits

I'm not 100% sure about this; but I think that you can extrapolate some correlation between people's political leanings and their driving habits.

Example One: People who are unable to decipher basic traffic signs such as STOP or YIELD signs might be of the Conservative school of thought. Because of the overwhelming difficulty of navigating intersections that have stop lights (RED, YELLOW, GREEN) I didn't include them in my data set.

Example Two: People who lack the ability to match the little white thingy on their speedometer to the big black and white signs on the side of the road; e.g. driving past multiple black and white signs that read: 55 MPH but only attaining a level of 45 MPH -- perhaps this is also another indication of Conservative tendencies.

As I said above; I'm not 100% about this. It is just an educated observation after spending many years on Canyon County roads.

Of yearbooks and awesomeness

First read this "Jeer" from the Idaho Press-Tribune's "Cheers and Jeers" section:

Jeers

This goes out to the absolutely appalling Caldwell High School 2008 yearbook cover. It displays a montage of different people’s face parts — with a nose ring and the word “diversity” in big letters on the front. It does not display anything about CHS or Class of 2008 on the front. If the people approving this want to push their agenda, they need to find another way besides the cover of a yearbook that was supposed to be cherished for years to come by the seniors, not an embarrassment.

Now read this.

...smack.

Conflicting accounts of "disarray"

So... Yesterday the Chairman of the Idaho State Republican Party had a little gathering on the steps of the Statehouse to declare with convivial blissfulness:

“Everybody thinks that our party is in disarray. We’re not in disarray. We’re going to show in November that we’re still the reddest state in the country.”

They're united. Get it? I mean, they only need to remind us every other week or so, but they're steadfast and as united as it gets. Of course, if by "united" you mean trying to take out those in their own party who might choose to not march lockstep with the upper hierarchy.

As you may or may have not known, while Clayton Cramer was running in the Republican primary for the State Senate in District 22, during the campiagn some shaddy mailings were sent out shamelessly using an image of a soldier on the front. Thus perhaps implying, if you've never seen Cramer, that he was or had been a soldier -- which we know that Cramer has never donned the uniform. Well, he of course got an irate email from a former soldier, who was pretty incensed at the exploitation of the uniform. So, Cramer disowned the shady mailings that were making their way around the district. And by "disowned" I mean, he weaseled around the issue -- I'd suspect that he knew their origins.

Well, Alan from IdaBlue did some more digging to see exactly who was behind this "independent campaign" and connected some dots between the inflammatory mailings, the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry and Veritas Advisors. The connective tissue holding this together? Well, that'd be Chairman of the Idaho State Republican Party; J. Kirk Sullivan.

Cramer also makes no bones about communicating with "prominent" members of the Idaho GOP, so I'd really start to think that Sullivan was personally involved in trying to oust Sen. Tim Corder. It should be noted that Sen. Corder wasn't the only one with a target put on his back by members of his own party.

Alan also has postings of the tasteless mailing and scans of Veritas Advisors and IACI filings with the Secretary of State.

If I were a moderate Republican in the Idaho Legislature I'd start to watch my back, cause if you don't do as you're told, they'll be lookin' for someone to replace you. After all, in the Idaho GOP, it isn't about you representing your constituents, it's about you supporting the upper management. So that being said, between the infighting between the powers that be and the independent Republicans and also with the Rod Beck party fringe; I'd say that the Idaho Republican Party is very much in "disarray". If only to be a fly on the wall during their convention this year.

Related; KBCI: "Idaho Republicans worry GOP brand hurting".

Further adding to the "disarray", Bryan Fischer of the Idaho Values Alliance is calling for Sullivan's head.

Yeah, but will anything happen?

Wake me up when we have actual oversight in our state government and someone in a high place actually does some actual time.

KTVB:

Whistleblower: Tax Commission gave companies big breaks

BOISE - A veteran state Tax Commission auditor Wednesday released a 17-page whistleblower report alleging that agency commissioners for years have improperly settled tax protests by large corporations, saving the companies money but shorting Idaho by millions of dollars.

Stan Howland, a corporate income tax auditor for the tax collection agency for 28 years, said the four appointed members of the Tax Commission, as well as the deputy attorneys general who advise them, routinely allow largely out-of-state corporations to pay just a percentage of what they really owe.

Read the rest.

Some food & wine notes

Now the primary is over, we can get back to more important topics; food and vino -- can't let those pesky politics command too much time.

• Mark Bittman, The Minimalist in the NYT, takes on BBQ'ing indoors.

• Rick Bayless and his "MEXICO-One Plate at a Time" has returned for its sixth season on PBS.

• I really dug this: Salmon w/ huckleberry chipotle glaze and Gruyère chive mashers.

• I was on a waiting list for 2 1/2 years to get these two bottles of Sea Smoke Pinot Noir, now that I've got them, I have to wait at least a year for one bottle, and 5 more years for the other before I can crack 'em. Patience, they say, is a virtue. I really, really can't wait to drink these.

• These shall be making an appearance in my kitchen fairly quickly.

• French Laundry at Home "Head to Toe", Part 1 - Pig's Feet, Part 2 - Pig's Head. A must read/see.

Statesman: "Move up the primary"

Idaho Statesman "Our View":

Our View: Earlier primary date is good idea

Idaho's election laws have so many scheduling problems that it almost feels wrong to single one out.

But we will, anyway - picking on the one that's foremost in our minds this week.

Scheduling primary elections the day after a three-day holiday weekend makes absolutely no sense. And it is easily fixed.

[...]

The easiest way to fix Idaho's election calendar may be to merely rewrite the law and bump up the primary date to the third Tuesday in May. This gets the primary out of the way before the Memorial Day weekend and the start of the summer vacation season. Simple, huh?

[...]

Ya know, as good of an idea as it is -- I'd be really surprised to see it happen in the near future. Frankly, why would Idaho's GOP dominated legislature want to increase voter turnout? I don't think that it'd exactly pan out for them.

DFO from Huckleberries Online wrote about this yesterday.

Post-primary reactions

All in all, it seems like it was an good alright somewhat disappointing night.

Good news is that Canyon County Sheriff Smith handedly beat George Nourse 75% to 25% and John Bujak easily beat current Canyon County Prosecutor Dave Young and challenger Danny Bower 50%-13%-37% (Statesman on Bujak/Bower/Young race).

Well, it looks like Curtis Bowers can return to commie hunting; Takasugi easily defeated him 57% to 43%. Curmudgeon  Robert Schaefer took out newcomer Roberto Olvera in Nampa 78% to 22%. I'm not really surprised that Schaefer won this race, but by the margin of victory.

Another Otter appointee; Steven Kren managed to defeat challenger Russ Johnson 65% to 35%. I'd look to the Kren/Yankey race to be a pretty exciting one in Nampa; Kren had the establishment support to defeat an unknown Johnson, but Yankey has quite a bit more name recognition. And frankly after Kren has spent 2 years in the House and has nothing to show for it; a lot of voters may have tired of his laid back style.

Sali easily beat newcomer Matt Salisbury in the Republican primary for 1st CD -- 60% to 40%. Personally, I'd really like to see Salisbury run again, but for a state position. I just found it odd that Salisbury would 1. run for the 1st CD as a first timer, and 2. not do anything to let voters know how he differed from Sali. You have to give voters a reason to choose you over an incumbent, especially when you're in the same party and Salisbury never did that. Rest assured that Democrat Walt Minnick will show voters the difference between him and Sali in the coming weeks and months.

Ron Paul managed to pull 24% of the votes from McCain (McCain only received 62% of the vote in Canyon County); I would say that doesn't bode very well for Republicans come November. Paul's 24% in Idaho is second only to his 25% showing in Montana -- which was a caucus state. Democrats have a really good shot this year in the 1st CD and in the Senate race to replace Larry Craig; I'd also say that Democrats in Idaho will pick up a couple seats in the State Senate and House.

As of this morning it looks like some races are still undecided; still not 100% on the Thayn/Beebe/Bauer race in 11A (I'm hearing on the radio that Beebe has won in 11A but I can't confirm it on the web) or McKague/Snodgrass race for District 20 Senate (Popkey on the battle between extremists and moderates in District 20). Updated: Ada County has McKague winning over Snodgrass 53% to 47% -- this is pretty unfortunate outcome and frankly, mildly surprising. Update II: This morning the Idaho Secretary of State website has Thayn winning over Beebe and Bauer 38%-31%-31%.

Idaho-blogger-turned-State-Senate-candidate Clayton Cramer took a whipping from incumbent Sen. Tim Corder 62% to 38%. Which is most likely a good thing; we have enough firebrands in the Statehouse as it is.

BLOGS: Ridenbaugh Press here and here :: Red State Rebels (w/ pics) :: The Political Game :: Huckleberries Online

MEDIA: Idaho Statesman :: Idaho Press-Tribune here and here :: KTVB :: KIVI :: KTRV :: KBCI 

RESULTS: Idaho Secretary of State :: Canyon County :: Ada County  

Idaho primary night round-up

What I'm lookin' for:

I've got my eye on the race for Canyon County Sheriff and prosecutor. I also want to see how Otter appointees Kren, Bowers and McKague do in their primary challenges-- it'll be interesting to see if Idahoans reject the extremism of Bowers and McKague.

In Nampa, I'd really like to see Olvera take out Schaefer. There is also a good chance that Idahoans may choose to boot Thayn out of the Statehouse. Other big races; Moyle/Merrill in 14 and the Republican primary winner who will challenge Democrat Larry LaRocco for Larry Craig's seat in the US Senate.

I'd like to have seen Salisbury take out Sali, but at this stage I just don't think he distinguished himself enough from Sali to give voters a reason to choose him -- an upset here would be really surprising.

Idaho Statesman: "Scheduling primary elections the day after a three-day holiday weekend makes absolutely no sense. And it is easily fixed." This topic was raised earlier in the day over at HBO. Personally, I don't think the GOP controlled legislature is that interested in raising voter turn out.

Still early, but with 57% reporting, it looks like Takasugi could take out Bowers tonight and with 41% reporting, Bauer is leading Thayn 45% to 30% in 11A.

Updated: With 94% reporting, I think we can say that Takasugi has beaten Curtis Bowers 60% to 40%. Awesome. Wow. KTVB really blows at this whole reporting thingy. 59% to 41% w/ 63% reporting, I'll still bet that Bowers goes down tonight.

Doesn't look good for newcomers Olvera/Schaefer or Johnson/Kren.

Smith should take down Nourse pretty easily, this looks like a pretty lopsided race for Canyon County Sheriff. Right now Bujak has a pretty healthy lead over Bowers, so things could be lookin' good in that race.

BLOGS: Red State Rebels @ Dem's HQ in Boise :: Kevin Richert - Idaho Statesman :: Huckleberries Online

MEDIA: KTRV :: KTVB (live video) :: KBCI :: KIVI :: Idaho Statesman :: Idaho Press-Tribune :: KBOI

RESULTS: Idaho Secretary of State :: Canyon County :: Ada County

It's Primary Day

While I do understand the rational for voting on the Democratic ticket in order to boost Minnick and LaRocco's numbers, I also see another side of it. For those of us in Canyon County; our county prosecutor, sheriff and county commissioners will be determined in the Republican primary tonight. These are officials that have a much more visible impact on our daily lives. Do I help Minnick and LaRocco's numbers look better? Or do I do my part to ensure we don't let the "good ole boy club" back into office?

Frankly, I don't see anything nefarious about crossing over and I don't think that it happens on as big as a scale as our conspiracy theorist friends on the other side of the aisle think. I just think that it is realistic to vote "not against" certain Republican candidates but "for" the better ones. I am by no means suggesting that Democrats crossover, I'm just saying that here in Canyon County the decision is much more complex.

I'm not quite sure what I'm going to do yet.

Updated

Middleton Road in Canyon County is awash in Ron Paul and KnowYourRino signs. Should be interesting to see what percentage Paul pulls in Idaho.

Here are the Idaho Statesman's endorsements. Here are the Idaho Press-Tribune's endorsements.

Find your polling location.

Alan from IdaBlue is crossing over.

Update II

Just got back from voting in Canyon County, I was in and out in under 5 minutes, only one other person was in there while I was.

Weekend Tunes

It is The Get Out Clause and their track "Paper".

This video has been getting quite a bit of playtime on the 'tubes recently. Not necessarily because it is a good track, but because it was filmed almost entirely using London's big brother style network of CCTV's. The band would play in public places and then using freedom of information clauses they'd request the footage -- the result, mixed with some hand held camera footage is this video.

Danny Bower in the Statesman

Eh, I bet it wasn't the feedback he was expecting.

I mean, Sen. Shirley McKague wouldn't lie...

Would she?

Boise Weekly:

Misquote for McKague

Apparently, Sen. Shirley McKague doesn't quite have her quotes straight.

Several sources have questioned a quote printed on one of the Meridian Republican's re-election post cards. The quote in question is attributed to Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter, and appears to endorse her in her primary election battle against fellow Republican Rep. Mark Snodgrass.

"Shirley McKague has consistently represented her district in a thoughtful way. If you believe in limited government and more individual responsibility, she's the one to vote for on May 27," the quote reads.

Too bad the governor never said it.

"[Gov. Otter] did not provide that quote to Shirley McKague," Otter spokesperson Mark Warbis told BW.

"The governor is not endorsing anybody in that race."

It's not like she's copied letters from the John Birch Society and presented them as a Senate Joint Memorial before or anything.

Smith vs. Nourse in the Statesman

Love this quote from Sheriff Smith:

“Our plan was to run such a good office we wouldn’t have a challenge this time,” says Smith’s chief deputy, Gary Deulen. Sure enough, none of the seven who opposed Smith four years ago threw their hats into the ring for Tuesday’s primary election.

But one unexpected foe did: Nourse.

“It’s disheartening,” Smith says. “I was really supportive of him, no matter what. …”

Asked to finish that thought, he replies, “Pull that knife out of my back and I’ll explain a little better.”

Does Danny Bower understand the Constitution?

Simple question for a guy running to be Canyon County's new prosecutor. Perhaps Bower should read up on it.

It seems that the only thing Danny Bower and his supporters have had to attack fellow candidate John Bujak with is that he is a defense lawyer, that he represents people who are accused of crimes.

Danny Bower today in the Idaho Statesman:

Danny Bower: Canyon County prosecutor should be experienced

Canyon County needs a prosecutor with the right kind of experience and a track record of protecting children, families, and neighborhoods.

[...]

Mr. Bujak is a high-priced criminal defense attorney. He represents "unsavory" criminals, gang and drug leaders that put our community at risk. As a civil attorney Mr. Bujak continues his representation of SatinDolls/ Torch/ Cowgirls - an adult entertainment business that objectifies women and denigrates our community.

A note to Bower; when you're going to make the argument that "experience" is the most important qualification, make sure that your opponent doesn't have more than you. Otherwise, like you did in your piece in the Statesman, you make the case for voters to choose Bujak over yourself.

Let's face it, we've seen what happens when we have a prosecutor who has a "hands-off" approach to running his office, too good for the courtroom attitude. Bower lacks any significant time in the courtroom, trying "actual" criminal court cases. We need a prosecutor who has real courtroom experience, someone who is experienced in both prosecution and defense, someone who can get the job done.

Does Bower and his supporters not understand that there is nothing wrong in defending those who are accused of a crime? That Bujak is merely helping American citizens assert the rights that were given to them by our forefathers and the blood of thousands of American soldiers?

A comment from a Bower supporter left on this site:

John Bujak is a flip flopper! He can't decide which side of the law he wants to work for-criminal prosecution or criminal defense and Canyon County has a high rate of repeat offenders First, he was a deputy prosecuting attorney for Canyon County putting criminals behind bars. Then he left that office for the financial greener pastures of criminal defense, putting criminals back on the streets. Now he wants us to elect him Canyon County prosecutor to put those same criminals back behind bars.

Seriously? "Flip-flopper", I thought that meme died 4 years ago.

If it were up to these people then we'd just take people like Timothy McVeigh and Joseph Duncan out and shot them as soon as they were captured. For better or worse, we don't do that in America. I know of a few other countries that do, perhaps they'd like to live there instead.

The McAlvanys and Curtis Bowers

So just who is this family that donated $7,000 to Curtis Bowers primary campaign? A pretty reasonable question I'd assume seeing how this Colorado family is trying to influence Idaho politics. I mean after all, take away their donations and Bowers has only raised a paltry $5,760, which isn't exactly a great deal of local support for an incumbent legislator.

Why would an out of state family that seems to be unrelated (update --I'm assuming they know him from when he was in Colorado Springs) to Curtis Bowers invest so heavily in this Caldwell legislator's campaign? What is their interest in Idaho? Valid questions that I think Curtis Bowers should answer for his constituents and fellow Idahoans.

One thing to think about is that the $7,000 most likely didn't come from the whole family. No, it most likely came from only one McAlvany -- Donald McAlvany, head of McAlvany International Collectors Associates (ICA) and also the editor of the far right wing conspiracy magazine; The McAlvany Intelligence Advisor.

Now at least we know where Bowers learned his mad undercover skills he used to infiltrate a Communist Party USA gathering in Berkeley back in the 80's.

From Donald McAvany's bio:

Don serves on the board of The Conservative Caucus, is a member of The Counsel on National Policy, is chairman of the Council on Southern Africa, was a founder of the Industry Council on Tangible Assets (ICTA), and one of the founding directors of the fellowship of Christian Financial Advisors.

With a background in undercover intelligence work, Don remains closely connected with the international intelligence community. He is sought out by leading high-level political, business, and military leaders throughout the world, who desire his consultation on issues ranging from military strategies to understanding geopolitical moves affecting global freedom and the international marketplace.

Starting to make sense now.

Don McAvany seems to think that all the worlds problems; war, disasters, famine are caused by homosexuals and abortion.

Is it possible that these events are not just happening by coincidence, but are warnings from God? Americans are now either practicing or tolerating lifestyles which the Bible clearly states will remove God's blessings and bring the wrath of God. God has warned in the Bible that He will destroy any nation which openly practices fornication, adultery, homosexuality, sexual perversion and the shedding of the blood of innocent children including abortion and partial birth abortion. Concerning abortion, the Bible makes no difference between children in the womb and a newly born child.

[...]

A careful study of the events surrounding many of these disasters reveals that they occurred in connection with abortion and/or homosexual-related events. It appears to this writer that the Lord has given us a number of clear warnings. The following examples strongly suggest that America has already been clearly warned by God about shedding the blood of innocent children in the womb and practicing open homosexuality. These warnings would seem to indicate that America is on a collision course with the God of the Bible and awesome judgment may be immediately ahead.

I would think that Curtis Bowers' constituents might want to know if he subscribes to the same train of thought as his biggest campaign donor.

Also make sure you check out Don McAlvany's many books, videos and pamphlets on Amazon. I mean with titles like "Storm Warning: The Coming Persecution of Christians and Traditionalists in America", "War in Paradise: Surviving the Breakdown of America", "Y2K Crisis: Preparing for the Coming Computer Crash!", "Toward A New World Order (The Countdown To Armageddon)" and "Fourth Reich" how can you really go wrong? Good thing is it won't cost ya much to read all of his material, most of it goes for under a buck.

Update

Does Bowers believe as McAlvany does that the Oklahoma City Federal Building bombing by Timothy McVeigh was an inside job? It is starting to seem pretty clear that Bowers is in the "OMG I saw a black helicopter" crowd.

Bowers and Takasugi comparison

So far this primary cycle Curtis "I git dem commies" Bowers has raised only $12,760 to Takasugi's $20,720. Takasugi has raised more than $7960 over Gov. Otter appointee Bowers. What makes this even more interesting, as Alan noted yesterday, is that of Bowers' $12,760 in donations, $7,000 of that came from one family in Colorado; the McAlvanys. So, take away one family of out-of-state supporters and Takasugi has out-raised Bowers by $14,960 -- a pretty damn impressive show of support for Takasugi. I'll also note that Bowers and Takasugi have both loaned their campaigns $5,000.

So, needless to say, that begs the question -- who are the McAlvanys, more importantly; who is Don McAlvany?

I'll also say that while Bowers was "playing" as an undercover pinko in Berkeley, his opponent Pat Takasugi was serving his country as a Green Beret in the US Army. So tell me then; who did more to "really" fight the communists?

Pat Takasugi's campaign finance report (48hr report) (pdf).
Curtis Bowers' campaign finance report (pdf).

Grilled mahi-mahi w/ lime jasmine rice

The sauce on top of the mahi-mahi is habaneros, tomato, shallot and green pepper with some other spices. The fried plantains were served w/ a homemade (from scratch) mango mustard.

I saw this picture yesterday of some mahi-mahi w/ a pineapple mango salsa from a great place in Mexico; the Turtle Bay Cafe. So had a yearnin' to make some mahi, I just ended up using my mango in the mustard instead. I have been wanting to try out some more sauces with my bag 'o' habaneros, hence the muy diablo sauce for the mahi-mahi.

A little something...

...to get ya through the night.

One of my favorites, "We'll Understand It Better By and By".

Reminds me of my uncle's old church back in Kentucky.

Bujak and Bower comparisons

In a telling show of support John Bujak has raised $9,363 from donors while Danny Bower has only raised $4,650 from donors. It is also important to note that Bujak has 28 under $50 non-itemized donations while Bower only has 2 -- not exactly a show of grassroots support.

In order to compensate for Bower's lack of funds he has had to lend his campaign $11,823 of his own money. Which always does makes you wonder why someone would toss so much of his own money into his campaign in order to be Canyon County Prosecutor. What kind of payback is he expecting?

Also noteworthy is the professionalism of Bujak's filings vs. Bower's. Bujak's is nicely typed and easy to read, Bower's is hand written. To me it has always said a lot about a candidate when they take the time to make their disclosures easy to read for the public -- not a mess of chicken scratches. Not too read too much into it, but I do think it is a sign of professionalism and commitment to the task at hand.

John Bujak's campaign finance report (pdf).
Danny Bower's campaign finance report (pdf).

Smith vs. Nourse

From the onset I really didn't think this would be much of a competition.

Smith has been excellent as Sheriff in Canyon County and has the support of nearly the entire law enforcement community. And there really just isn't any comparison between Smith and Nourse's qualifications. I think I can also say that frankly, people didn't like Nourse's 'good ole boy' club attitude when he was in office and they certainly don't want it back.

Smith has really been a breath of fresh air for Canyon County and that is reflected in donations to his campaign. Sheriff Smith has raised $17,079 to Nourse's $5,580, of which $2,350 was his own money, so Nourse has actually only raised $3,230.

Sheriff Chris Smith's campaign finance report (pdf).
George Nourse's campaign finance report (pdf).

Of course, I've got to bring grub into this; I will say that Nourse can make some kick ass fried chicken -- It has been so long I don't even remember the name of his joint located out by Lake Lowell. But I do remember eating there many a Sunday growing up.

Dave Young gets no love

Dave Young only managed to raise $1200 for the Republican primary for Canyon County Prosecutor against challengers Danny Bower and John Bujak. Also to note -- he raised that $1200 from only 6 contributors. I'd say that any support he was ever getting from Canyon County's GOP is gone.

Also humorous is that he paid himself 88 bucks for his mileage while he was placing signs. What no volunteers?

Dave Young campaign finance report (pdf).

100 best bars in America

Esquire Magazine picked the top 100 bars in America, only one from Idaho made the list; Boise's Pengilly's Saloon.

Of course, I think Pete's Tavern in Nampa should have made the list for the simple fact that they have a cave in the back.

A tight money race in Nampa

I'm finding the primary race between Russ Johnson and Steven Kren for the district 13-B seat in Nampa pretty interesting. Kren, a political newcomer is trying to hold onto his seat after he was appointed by Gov. Otter two years ago. At this point I'd be really surprised if Kren were to lose the primary to Johnson, but Johnson has proved to be determined and eager to defeat Kren.

After the campaign disclosure reports came out (lots 'o' good reading in there) we see that Kren has only out raised Johnson by $742 -- Kren has raised $15,574 to Johnson's $14,832. Which I find pretty interesting being that Kren has the advantage of being the incumbent and the support of the Canyon County GOP base. It has turned out to be a pretty tight race financially between both of these newcomers.

One thing to take note of is that Kren still has $10,360 on hand which would allow you to assume that he's assuming he is going to win the primary so that he can use the majority of his funds in the general. Johnson only has $3,731 on hand after spending $11,100 of his funds to Kren's $5,983 expenditures.

One thing that I've observed during this primary is that Kren has really sat back and not really tried to retain his seat. It is either out of arrogance that he just assumes he will win, or he isn't that interested in winning. So you can take it either way, he has either not spent his primary campaign money because he intends on winning the primary, or he isn't trying to win it.

What will be even more interesting is how this battle plays out -- which we will know the outcome by this time next week. Who will have the greater advantage?  Kren with his support from the GOP base in Canyon County or Johnson with his support from the LDS community? It's going to be an interesting one to watch.

Russ Johnson's campaign finance report (pdf).
Steven Kren's campaign finance report (pdf).

A Mona Lisa conundrum

If you didn't know, courageous commie hunter, Curtis Bowers is the one who opened up Nampa's Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant on 11th Ave. The Mona Lisa, which in my humble opinion is perhaps the best romantic eatery (reserve the Lover's Lane room) the in the Valley. It is also an excellent joint when you're out with a group of friends, it takes quite a while to eat the meal and it is just as much entertainment as it is delicious grub. And of course nothing soothes the soul like some of the Mona Lisa's wonderfully mysterious dipping vinaigrette for their bread. Of course it'd be impossible to mention the true stars of the show; the excellent cheese and chocolate fondues -- with unlimited dipping fodder.

Anyway... last year I was prepared to boycott the Mona Lisa after I found out that Bowers was an owner, which greatly disappointed me -- but mind you, I do have principles. We'll when I found out that Bowers had sold his interest in the Mona Lisa I was glad that my self-imposed boycott had been adverted. But now I find out that current owners are Bowers supporters. Now my conundrum; do I write off a jewel of Downtown Nampa because of the owners political leanings (as it does impact all Idahoans)? Or forgive the owners backing of Bowers and continue to enjoy the Mona Lisa in order to support a fine downtown establishment?

Letter's to the Editor down below...

Kren and Bowers make their case

In today's Idaho Statesman Otter appointees Steven Kren and Curtis "the commies are coming! the commies are coming!" Bowers both make their cases for staying in the Idaho Legislature.

They both fail.

Both of these candidates having not been previously elected by voters have pretty good primary challenges on their hands.

Nampa announces new library location

I went down to the regular Nampa City Council meeting with my wife because she had some unfinished business to deal with and figured what the heck, they are announcing the library location anyway. Well, after the council moved into executive session and the rest of the business of the city council meeting we left after my wife's reading -- patience only runs so deep. I did however get to see the drawings of the new library before we left and it does look pretty impressive; I'm sure there will be some images up on the web pretty soon.

I guess after reading the Idaho Press-Tribune's report on the subject we should have stuck around, seems like it might have been good theater.

Nampa picks library site

NAMPA — The Nampa’s City Council approved the purchase of land for a new library and public safety building using the city’s reserve funds Monday.

The council voted 3-1 in favor of the motion, with council member Stephen Kren the only dissenting vote. Pam White, Curtis Homer and Martin Thorne all voted for the proposal.

City officials named the block between 11th and 10th avenues south and 3rd and 4th streets south for a new library, mixed-use development and a parking garage.

Almost 80 people attended the City Council meeting and public hearing regarding the land purchase.

Sounds like it filled up, there were only about 15 people there when we left.

I do have to say, I like this location -- that is depending on their plans for parking, as the intersection of 11th and 3rd is quite busy. However I do like how close it is to "Downtown Nampa", for a while it sounded like it may be located somewhere between 3rd and 1st, 9th and 6th. Which would be a pretty long walk from "downtown".

I does seem kind of sad that they'll have to demolish the old Nampa Spanish 7th Day Adventist Church, as that is a building with quite a bit of character. That and I'm not a giant fan of tearing down old buildings with a lot of character to build new buildings. Sounds like we'll have to hit up the old Taco Time as well because its also slated to be demolished; I haven't been there in probably 15 years.

Well, it is time to move Nampa forward, so onward we go.

Another non-endorsement in the Republican 1st CD primary

This time from the Idaho Statesman:

Our View: No choice between erratic freshman, passive foe

In 2006, 1st Congressional District Republicans had ample choices: six of them, in fact.

This year, Republicans are short on options. They can choose incumbent Bill Sali, the winner from the open 2006 free-for-all, despite an unimpressive first term in Congress. Or they can pick Matthew Salisbury, a political newcomer who doesn't really differ from Sali on too many issues.

We can't recommend either. So we will not endorse in next week's GOP primary. We will revisit this race in the fall, when the GOP nominee faces Democrat Walt Minnick.

[...]

Idaho has only two House members, and Sali has simply proven unable to be much more than a loose cannon. When it comes to national and international issues such as the deficit, health care, immigration or Iraq, the 1st District deserves better.

And it wouldn't get it from Salisbury, an Iraq war veteran and political newcomer. Salisbury doesn't really offer much of a distinction on the issues - he opposes the economic stimulus bill, but in a Statesman editorial board meeting, he seemed to spend most of his time agreeing with Sali. In this face-to-face meeting, Salisbury simply failed to present a persuasive case for change.

The absence of a name opponent in the primary, in a district that has voted GOP for 19 of the past 21 congressional elections, suggests the mainstream GOP is either reasonably satisfied with Sali - or resigned to support him. We aren't.

Read the rest.

I'm pretty disappointed in Salisbury's campaign; I was hoping for a more moderate challenger to Sali, but as the Statesman said; Salisbury has done little to differentiate himself from Sali. While I certainly hope that we can send Minnick to Washington instead of any of the GOP candidates -- I do look at it realistically. And I had thought when Salisbury announced his campaign that if we do send another Republican to Washington, it'd be a more moderate one.

And this wasn't just a blind wish either; from what I understand Matt Salisbury is a much more moderate Republican. So I don't know if it I was misinformed or he was hesitant to to express his true sensibilities in the heart of Conservative country. If Sali should win the nomination in next weeks primary -- which at this point I'd probably bet on -- I hope that Salisbury would choose to run for a state office next time around. There is nothing wrong with getting your feet wet in local or state politics before taking the next leap up.

Updated

Alan from IdaBlue has a good take on this. I tend to agree with him. A lot of Idahoans claim to be independents, but I don't see how you can call yourself an independent and yet vote Republican every time.

Idaho Press-Tribune's non-endorsement in the Republican 1st CD primary here.

Kempthorne: "Unfortunately I have to follow the law..."

How do you really feel about those pesky laws Dirk?

via Think Progress

Pesky-laws-Kempthorne, lets-outlaw-gravity-Sali, public-restroom-sex-Craig... You stay classy Idaho. 

Idaho Press-Tribune: Bujak over Bowers or Young

In what must be one of the best endorsement editorials for local office I've ever read; The Idaho Press-Tribune endorses John Bujak for Canyon County Prosecutor. In the piece they lay it down on current prosecutor Dave Young and the inexperienced (and ethically challenged) Danny Bower.

A snippet:

Who would you choose to represent you? What makes the most sense?

The attorney who makes his living in the courtroom or the attorney who handles the appeals after the fact?

The seasoned quarterback under the intense pressure of a close game with seconds left or the new Monday morning quarterback who has everything set out before him with no time clock ticking?

For 16 years, Dave Young has proved the prosecutor for Canyon County must be experienced. If the county’s top legal eagle isn’t, taxpayers will pay dearly for mistakes like the tragic release of Angie Leon’s killer, countless plea bargains or legal advice that says nepotism is OK.

That’s why Dave Young must be replaced.

[...]

Speaking of moral compass: What about the fight between Bower and a couple of young men on the BYU campus in 1999? Yes, Bower was the most beat-up at the end, but the teens say he provoked the attack. Bower said he was defending the integrity of the university where he played basketball.

OK, that makes sense. But why were charges dropped nearly a year later after an independent witness (a college employee) told a story that contradicted Bower’s and closely matched that of the young men who hung around until police showed up to investigate? Even stranger, Bower said he didn’t know why the charges were dropped 10 months later.

Make sure you read the whole thing.

Weekend Tunes

Death Cab for Cutie and their "I Will Possess Your Heart".