the unequivocal notion

Why I feel bad for Idaho's future sometimes

A disproportionate amount of its population is really, really, stupid.

God, I present you with exhibit #958 from the Idaho Statesman's comment section regarding the sudden closure of 7 Round Table Pizza's in the valley:

Just the Beginning!
Submitted by saveelk on Thu, 06/26/2008 - 2:33pm.

This is just a sampling on what’s going to happen with the dems in control of this country. There will be many more failed businesses if something isn't done very soon to curb the high cost of gasoline and high commodity prices. Unfortunately the dems are in control of Washington and it is their intent to not allow any new exploration and to force this country into a deep recession. The uniformed will blame the Republicans when in reality the Dems are creating and controlling legislation. The Dems believe driving this country into deep recession will guarantee not only the house and senate, which they currently control, but will guarantee that the "empty Suit" liberal Marxist Obama will be elected president. "Good-by Freedoms" welcome Communism. We might as well brace ourselves and plan on moving to Canada as with the dems in control of the country we are definitely going down the tubes.

One of the replies:

saveelk, very good point and
Submitted by terigro on Thu, 06/26/2008 - 2:42pm.

accurate. We have a lot to be worried about. But if we keep saying this we are only attacked more for it.

Oh, and I hate pizza snobs. It takes a lot to really make a pizza inedible, hell, even Totinos has its place in life. Some pizzas may be better than others, but to claim that certain pizzas lead to regurgitation is unrealistic and a little too high on the snobby meter for me.

That being said; for the record, Guidos Pizzeria makes the best pizza in the Valley (Flying Pie is second and they have the best beer selection).

...And all of that being said; we really need a good pizza joint in Downtown Nampa.

Idaho jumps from "abstinence only" bandwagon

While I think it's safe to say that this is a good thing, I think it's also safe to say that there will be some backlash from Idaho's Conservative community.

Idaho Statesman:

Federal abstinence funds find fewer takers
Idaho decided to opt out of the grants because the money was uncertain - and because the program didn't seem effective.

Idaho and other states are saying no to millions of federal dollars for abstinence education, skeptical of how well the program works and worried about on-and-off funding.

The Bush administration touts the abstinence-only program as a way to slow teen sexual activity. Barely half the states are still in, and two more say they are leaving.

I will say this; abstinence is the best method to prevent against STDs and teen pregnancy, it is the only fool-proof method. That being said, it is not realistic, as in; based in reality. Teens are going to have sex, they've been having sex for thousands of years, they certainly aren't going to stop now because mom, dad and teacher all tell them to not do it. So it is best that teens are educated in the proper methods to protect themselves against STD's and pregnancy. Sure, it'd be a good thing to reduce teens having sex overall, but this has to be combined with proper education about contraceptives.

Personally, I'm all for the graphic STD pictures -- we used to get these slides in the Army during Safety Stand Down days that showed graphic photos of just what STDs can, and will do to your genitals. I do believe that they used to use them in public schools until whiny parents didn't want to scare their little non-sex-having children -- they should bring it back. Nothing like a puss filled image of what your goods could end up  looking like to make you think twice about doing something you probably shouldn't be doing in the first place. Or at least make you think about taking the proper precautions -- if you know how.

Cronyism? In Idaho? Nah... no way

I mean, we wouldn't expect that any ethical lapses in our state government would lead to scandal... would we?

Small mountain of irony

I find just a touch of irony in the news that Gov. Otter met with the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry at Tamarack Resort this morning.

Eye On Boise:

Idaho Gov. Butch Otter spoke at the annual conference of the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry this morning at Tamarack Resort, and he offered some budget warnings. “Now, don’t get me wrong: We are doing better than a lot of other states,” Otter said in remarks prepared for the event.

I mean, you'd think they'd would find somewhere besides a near-bankrupt resort owned in part by men from France and Mexico to have their pow-wow.

Yay! You go Idaho!

This is some good company we're keepin'.

Idaho only one of four states with personal income drop

BOISE - Idaho was just one of four states where personal income slumped in the first quarter of 2008. The others were Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas.

With major Treasure Valley employers, such as Micron, Kastera Homes, HP and SuperValu laying off even more people, things are surely to get worse before they get better. In Nampa I've heard about some local title companies and large home builder companies laying off significant portions of their workforce. We don't often hear about the layoffs that are happening at the smaller employers, but it has just as much impact on the local economy.

Only good local economic news that I've heard/seen is that retail building is still booming in Canyon County, both in Nampa and Caldwell. That being said; people need jobs in order to have money to spend at these new retail stores.

Oy...

Things are starting to ratchet up in eastern Idaho. Read this -- and do this.

Meridian Public Library purging its catalogue?

Melvin Dewey, I'm assuming brother to Melvil Dewey, the father of the Dewey Decimal Classification System, left a comment here earlier this week:

Unfortunately, the censorship does not stop with the Nampa library. Now, a few certain staff members at the Meridian library (just a few miles down the road) have begun to remove "unrated" DVDs and possibly other "controversial" items from their shelves. This act of self-censorship is troubling because no one from the public has challenged these items. The Meridian library board may not even be aware of the decision. Meridian has tried (and failed) many times to pass a bond for a new building, so maybe this self-censorship is an attempt to avoid public scrutiny before it begins.

Interesting.

Frankly I'm not sure what is worse... censorship, or the fear of censorship. If anyone knows anything more about this feel free to shot me an email.

Revisiting liquor licenses in the big city

A good comment from a bar owner over at BoiSee concerning a liquor license (one of many that have been listed lately) that was listed on Craigslist:

The state makes a ton of revenue on liquor and it appears they want even more. I bought my liquor license 7 years ago at market price which at that time was $100k. Which meant I cut a check to the state of Idaho for $10k. I also have to pay the state a yearly fee of around $800 along with yearly fees for my Ada County liquor license and city of Boise liquor license which add another several hundred dollars yearly. The state also requires all of us bar owners to only buy our liquor from guess who… the state of Idaho! Here is one example, a case of Crown Royal costs about $50 cheaper if you buy it in Nevada. But don’t worry the state decided to add an entire wing of government, the Alcohol Beverage Control to keep an eye on all the bar owners to make sure they didn’t make runs south for cheaper product keeping the monopoly intact.

Attorneys fees are basically a fixed cost for bar owners because of the current Regeme running ABC. Bikini gate being the latest dust up. But even us small time neighborhood bar owners get visits from those SOB’s who treat us like drug dealers with random inspections to make sure we walk the line. Outdated and many times unnecessary rules carried out by militant jack asses.

Now the state is thinking about making our liquor licence worthless and opening the floodgates so they can sell more licenses and cut out the middle man. The state got this current system due to simple supply and demand with regard to liquor license values. Supply did not meet demand thus higher prices. Personally, I think the state should assess the current market value and start charging new bar owners the current market value instead of issuing free ones to all the local attorneys who put themselves on the list 12 years ago. Of course I am biased but I think us bar owners have taken it in the rear from the state for long enough.

The legislature (and Otter's task force) really needs to address this. The system isn't fair for people looking to enter the market, nor for established license holders.

RE: The Crown Royal cost; in California you can buy a case (6 bottles) of half-gallon Crown Royal for about $144 from Coscto (yes, Costco). In Idaho, a case of half-gallon Crown Royal will run you about $312. How's that for capitalism?

More Skaug fallout

It is starting to make its way around the nation:

• Fort Mill Times from South Carolina
• The Olympian from Washington state

Idaho Media:

• Local News 8 from eastern Idaho
• Idaho Press-Tribune
• Idaho Statesman in their hard copy edition
• Idaho State Journal
• Times-News Magic Valley.com

And of course blogs right here at home:

• IdaBlue here and here
• 43rd State Blues
• MountainGoat Report
• The Political Game

Other blogs:

• bookshelves of doom

I still think that it is kind of odd that newspapers from South Carolina and Washington state will cover the AP story, but no Idaho media outlets, sans the Idaho Press-Tribune and Local News 8 from eastern Idaho. The Idaho Press-Tribune and Local News 8 have been the only Idaho media outlets to report on Skaug's anonymous posting -- and reason for resigning.

ed. note -- As the day is progressing more Idaho Media outlets are reporting on Skaug's posting.

Make sure you check out Idaho Press-Tribune's story, it is by far the most comprehensive yet, with quotes from Randy Jackson and Delmar Stone -- I loved this from Stone:

Delmar Stone, a Nampa social worker, said he was glad to see Skaug resign.

"I hope that whoever replaces him will respect all of the residents of Nampa, including her gay and lesbian citizens and her single parents," Stone said.

He offered the Nampa Library Board and the Nampa City Council free diversity training from The National Association of Social Workers.

Sad thing is... They could probably use it.

Updated

Added more Idaho media outlets.

I'll update as I find more.

Additional thoughts

I think one of the reasons that this case is pretty fascinating to me is that there are many perspectives to this one story:

• Homosexuality
• Censorship in the library
• Online anonymity (most users)
• Online anonymity (public officials)
• Media coverage of local stories
• The power of a small group to enact policy that affects the community as a whole

I'm sure I'll have some additional thoughts on some of these perspectives as the days wear on -- whisperings would dictate there is still more to come of this.

Then we can get back to important things like beer, food and tunes.

Skaug admits to posting anonymous comment

In today's Idaho Press-Tribune Bruce Skaug admits to posting an anonymous comment on this website last week.

Idaho Press-Tribune:

Skaug calls blog post a ‘mistake’

NAMPA — Resigning Nampa Library Board member Bruce Skaug said Tuesday he regretted writing an anonymous comment on a Nampa blog in which he defended the library board’s decision to remove sex books from the library’s shelves.

Skaug said in the comment written on the local blog The Unequivocal Notion that those who opposed the board’s decision had a “messed up view of sex” and “cannot understand people who wish to protect children from becoming people like you.”

Skaug said he wrote the comment in the heat of the moment and called it “stupid.”

“I was mad and I fired off a sarcastic remark,” Skaug said. “It was a stupid remark on my part where I stooped to a sophomoric-level comment on a blog.”

Skaug said since joining the library board and dealing with the sex book issue, he has received several obscene pieces of hate e-mail and postal mail. His not being able to respond to such comments was part of the frustration that led to the blog post, he said. The post did not have anything to do with his resignation, both Skaug and Nampa Mayor Tom Dale said.

While it is nice that he acknowledges his actions as a "mistake" and "stupid", it'd be nice if perhaps he'd just apologize to the citizens of Nampa that he offended. I really don't think that is too much too ask.

It's also mildly amusing that "the post did not have anything to do with his resignation"; I guess it is only a coincidence that he left the comment last Wednesday and submitted his resignation yesterday. Not only does he think we have a "messed up view of sex", but that we're stupid too.

Where the comment was left
Where I called him out

Bruce Skaug resigning from the Library Board

I just found out from a comment and via phone confirmation with the Mayor's office that Bruce Skaug is resigning his position on the Nampa Public Library Board effective July 1st.

This after Mr. Skaug left an anonymous comment on this site degrading citizens of Nampa and accusing fellow residents of having a "messed up view of sex", i.e. one that isn't the same as his.

I'll update as I find out more.

Updated

Idaho Press-Tribune story here.

Skaug told the Idaho Press-Tribune today that he submitted his resignation Monday to Nampa Mayor Tom Dale. Skaug said he had accomplished what he wanted to accomplish on the board and that was part of his reason for resigning.

What's the other part of the reason? Hmm. 

Update II

Idaho Statesman story on Skaug's stepping down. I wonder what you have to do in order to have the local media carry water for you? It's not like it is difficult to ask a simple question. It's also not hard to see the real reason why he stepped down.

Frankly, it's pretty disturbing to see the local media not report the real story -- it makes you wonder just how much they hold back on the really important stories -- so as to not offend those in charge. The fact that they are providing cover for Skaug really makes you question how they reported the library board story in the first place.

Idaho's imploding GOP

Norm Semanko has stepped into the fray for Chairman of the Idaho Republican Party.

More at IdaBlue and The MountainGoat Report.

I quite agree with Alan from IdaBlue; while having Obama as our nominee and Idaho's GOP eating their own, Idaho Democrats may just pick up a few seats in the House and Senate this year. However, the fact that a lot of Idahoans only look for an "R" next to a name on the ballot is hard to ignore -- and a force to be reckoned with.

The good thing is that I don't think a lot of Idaho Republicans will make an effort to vote "for" John McCain.

Dear Idaho GOP,

Please have the wisdom, knowledge and foresight to elect Rod Beck as your new party chairman.

Thanks,

The rest of us

Updated

Beck pulls out, endorses Semanko. Drats.

IdaBlue's IACI story gets bigger

Today, both Betsy Russell of the Spokesman-Review and Dan Popkey of the Idaho Statesman wrote about the IACI campaign to oust incumbent Sen. Tim Corder by helping local winggy Clayton Cramer with some mailings.

This is, mind you, a story that Alan from IdaBlue broke last week.

Says Betsy:

IACI sent out four mailings on behalf of Sen. Tim Corder’s challenger, Clayton Cramer, who moved to Horseshoe Bend from California in 2001 and was running on an anti-gay rights platform. The only one of the mailings I’ve seen, pictured here, is highly misleading. Showing a picture of what appears to be a soldier and his loving wife, it attacks Corder – a Vietnam veteran – on veterans issues and promotes Cramer as the answer. However, Cramer isn’t a soldier. And it’s not clear who is pictured in the mailing, which went to the district that includes Mountain Home Air Force Base. Class act, huh?

Briefly... why I think it is important

1. There is a significant amount of back story that needs to be understood before passing judgment.
2. The commenter was a public figure; appointed by an elected official (the Mayor) to represent the citizens of Nampa.

When said representative of the public is making policy decisions that will affect citizens; those citizens deserve to know where they are coming from. I think this is common sense, hell, common sense would dictated Mr. Skaug to not comment on some random website in the first place. Board members can sit on the board all day long and say "what about the children, what about the children" in order to have the books removed, but the public deserves to know the real motivations behind the removal of the books. It's no ones fault but Mr. Skaug's that he, for some unknown reason decided to show his ace in the hole.

To answer some other questions that have risen: because of what I do for a living, I'm extremely confident in the techniques and certainty of the commenters identity. And no, myself, I am not gay. I've been married to the same woman for going on 9 years. I do, however not have any children; and frankly, when I hear Conservatives say that my marriage doesn't mean anything because my wife and I choose to not bear children -- I get a little angry.

This whole episode, from the staged setting of the book being left on the library table in the first place, has never just been about removing the Joy of Sex series of books. It has been about removing books about homosexuality; and the people who brought this up over two years ago have no intention of stopping with The Joy of Gay Sex. The groups pushing the issue, The Idaho Values Alliance and Youth 4 Revolution are vehemently opposed to any advancement of rights for homosexuals. And rest assured, homosexuals in Idaho know what it it like to be discriminated against -- this isn't exactly the land of the tolerant.

You give these people an inch and they'll stab you in the back to take a mile.

Bruce Skaug and his true feelings

It's alway nice when we can get these kinds of things out in the open. Bruce Skaug, a member of the Nampa Public Library Board left a comment this morning regarding the the decision to pull The New Joy of Sex and The Joy of Gay Sex permanently from library shelves.

The library board in Nampa made a compromise. They did not ban any books, only put them out of reach of children. They did ban X rated and NC-17 items from the audiovisual collection. The Nampa library board made a reasonable decision.

Many of you, who gripe about the board's decision,don't have spouses (of the opposite gender) or children (legitimate)because of your messed up view of sex. So, you cannot understand people who wish to protect children from becoming like you.

Posted by: Jag | 04 June 2008 at 08:58 AM

By way of my logs I know that "Jag" is Mr. Skaug (need proof). Why he didn't choose to post under his real name speaks for itself. Generally I'm not one to out people, but if you are going to come here and tell your fellow citizens that they have a "messed up view of sex" and do it behind a pseudonym -- I'm going to out ya.

Lest no one forget, this whole thing isn't just about the Joy of Sex series of books, it's about homosexuality. And whether certain segments of Nampa want to admit it or not, there are many homosexuals living, working, and raising families amongst us.

It's just good for citizens of Nampa to know the true feelings of the appointees that Mayor Tom Dale has chosen to represent our community.

In fact, if you'd like to ask the Mayor about Bruce Skaug's feelings, feel free to. The Mayor, as a man with no spouse and no children, might like to know how Mr. Skaug feels about him and his "messed up view of sex".

Updated

As to the question of whether or not to out the commenter; I'll simplify -- if President Bush was trolling DailyKos.com saying "heh.. heh.. I hate Muslims, oh and Obama's a big turd" using an alias like "BigmaninDC" wouldn't it be prudent to point out who he was if you knew? Wouldn't that give insight into the reasoning behind his foreign policy decisions? Insight beyond the reasoning he speaks of in the public square?

I welcome public officials commenting on websites, but because their position in policy making they should use their real names when talking about policies they enacted. If public officials can't handle not being anonymous then they should rethink their desire to hold public positions -- that, or not troll websites looking to stir the pot.

Update II - 2008/06/10

Mr. Skaug is resigning his position on the Nampa Public Library Board.

Update III - 2008/06/11

Mr. Skaug admits to posting the anonymous comment.

Kim Keller wants to parent your kids

Because he, along with Bruce Skaug and Sandi Levi of the Nampa Library Board don't think that you are fit enough to parent your own kids while you're at the library. Also, in case you wanted know, it seems that Keller, Skaug and Levi think that the library is a great place for you to let your little ones run free with no parental oversight -- ya know, like free daycare -- great for those summer days when school is out of session. Apparently anyway, because the way they keep voting it seems you are not a capable parent.

Idaho Press-Tribune:

Board: Restrict sex books

NAMPA — Nampa’s Public Library Board voted 3-2 Monday to keep two controversial sex books off the shelves so they will be inaccessible to minors. “The New Joy of Sex” and “The Joy of Gay Sex” have been kept in the library director’s office since March when the board decided to move them there.

[...]

Board members disagreed about whether is should be a parent’s responsibility to monitor what materials their child reads in the library or whether it should be at least partly the library’s responsibility. Kelly said his motions do not prevent the library from purchasing books sexual in nature in the future, it just makes library staff keep them off the shelves.

Kelly said he wanted to represent the community on the issue. He referred to an Idaho Press-Tribune online poll taken in July 2006 that had 277 respondents. The poll indicated that a majority of people wanted the books restricted or removed, but a majority of people also wanted the library to keep the books.

Ok, here's another thought; once you quote an online poll in making public policy decisions, you're, well, an idiot. You can't trust online polls, especially in a story like this that was making national news. Apparently Keller thinks that the only people with access to the interwebs live in Nampa. He obviously has no idea how easy it is to swing an online poll in one direction or another. Online. polls. are. not. a. valid. measure. of. support.

I also liked this quip at the end of the Press-Tribune's story:

Library director Karen Ganske said she did not know of any movies the library carried with NC-17 or X ratings. But Levi said she noticed a DVD of “The Vagina Monologues” in the library, which she said contained graphic language.

It just seems so odd to see a group of people who are so intellectually disinterested sitting on the board of a library. Graphic language? Shit, that's about every PG-13 and R rated movie; of course, we should only watch Disney movies, that's surely the only way to shelter the little snowflakes from the real world.

Updated

Randy Jackson and Bryan Fischer of the Idaho Values Alliance will be speaking at the library this afternoon. Of course, perpetual coattail hanger'on Brandi Swindell will also be there (there's going to be cameras -- Hello!). I wonder if Randy will have his "Abortion is Homicide" shirt on for the all the media folks who will be down there gleefully lapping up the drivel (then later recycling it for their newspapers and newscasts)?

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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...