I’m in the process of opening a new insurance office in the Boise area (and consequently neglecting my blogly duties, sorry). Today I was up there signing some papers and took the opportunity to meet with 2nd District Congressional candidate Debbie Holmes, who I’m serving as campaign treasurer for. She broke the news to me that Larry Grant had dropped out of the 1st CD race.
I was stunned. This had all the makings of a clean and competitive primary that could have drawn a lot of attention to Idaho Democrats. Nevertheless, I understand Larry’s point of view.
“There isn’t ten cents worth of difference between my view of the world and Walt Minnick’s,” Grant said in his withdrawal statement today. “That’s why we need to be working together to beat Bill Sali, not spending valuable time and resources in a contentious primary.”
I have a great deal of respect for Larry Grant. Although I resolved to personally stay neutral in the 1st CD primary, Grant’s commitment to grassroots politics and willingness to personally address matters in the blogosphere in a manner that few candidates in either party would dare attempt doesn’t go unnoticed. A few months ago I declared over at 43SB that “Larry Grant is not a wuss”. That statement is as true today as it ever was.
That said, the choice in the 1st CD is now as plain as can be: help defeat one of the most obscenely statist Republicans in the nation and support Walt Minnick with fervor. As for Grant, I hope to see him around again very soon, maybe even in a race that I can vote for him here in Twin Falls.
You weren’t the only one who was surprised by the turn of events, Lane. Although Minnick has been clobbering Grant in the fundraising department, I’d bet that if the primary had been held today, Grant would’ve won based on the good will he built among the grassroots and the name recognition he had among less-active Dems.
But as you say, Minnick will represent Idaho far better than Bill Sali has. Idaho deserves a voice in the majority in DC, and working Idaho families deserve a Congressman who will take seriously our calls for a reasonable end to the war in Iraq; health care for everyone; and robust economic development via green-collar jobs and other living-wage opportunities.
If all goes well, we’ll have an Idaho Democrat in both the U.S. House and the Senate, which would be a fine turn of events indeed.
Good luck with your new practice. Are you going to have two offices or are you relocating to the Treasure Valley?
Right now, in the shock I am experiencing over this decision, my thoughts are: I will still vote for Larry Grant in the Primary, as he left too late to not appear on the ballot (I believe). I’ve met with Walt & still have misgivings about his ability to win in November. I’m sory, but it is how i feel. I agree, Grant would still win the Primary regardless of fundraising differences now, I think he still would. This is part of my (and many other of my fellow Democrats out here in the “real” Idaho) hold a grudge against the state party machine. Rand Lewis is still running for office in Idaho: State Senator for his Legislative District. If Larry wanted to do something similar in a write-in capacity, I think he could probably secure the 50 vote minimum to qualify for the November ballot at least. I’m not advocated he hurt the Party, but if he wanted to, I think he could win if he continued to run for CD1 as an Independant. Again, this is mostly just initial skock speaking here. I’ll come around, I’m sure.
For the time being my office will be in Meridian, but I will maintain my residence in Twin Falls. It is my intention to eventually open offices in both the Boise and Twin Falls areas. You will most likely hear from me in that capacity very soon. Consider yourselves warned.
Sali is no pushover, and there’s a lot to be said for the “real” Idaho liberaltarian refers to. Among other things, Minnick will need an outright, no-excuses win in Kootenai County in November - and stay competitive in Canyon County - to have a shot. Kootenai is to the 1st CD what Twin Falls is to the 2nd: an absolute must-win for the Democrat.
Some people are inclined to vote against anyone from Boise, especialy here in 2C (Canyon County). A “Fruitland boy,” as I heard a “Republican leaning” supporter of Grant’s refer to him, is much easier to swallow for them. Partly its a rural vs. urban rivalry thing, I think. If you remember, Andrus had hand picked a chair for the state party when Stalings left. This simple fact alone was a part of why some central committee members from some parts of the state voted for Roark. Cecil was a great governor, we all love him, but some are tired of the unelected running the show. Political bosses are not a popular concept among the truly progressive. I just hope Larry can serve Idaho in some capacity very soon.