Comments for Blog for Idaho http://blogforidaho.com Official Blog of the Idaho Democratic Freedom Caucus Wed, 03 Dec 2008 23:07:32 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=MU hourly 1 Comment on Friday Potpourri by paul http://blogforidaho.com/2008/04/04/friday-potpourri/#comment-34 paul Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:22:13 +0000 http://blogforidaho.wordpress.com/?p=16#comment-34 How can I let your members know about this great t-shirt? www.cafepress.com/politicaltalk How can I let your members know about this great t-shirt?
http://www.cafepress.com/politicaltalk

]]> Comment on The basics by liberaltarian http://blogforidaho.com/2008/03/24/the-basics/#comment-29 liberaltarian Sat, 12 Apr 2008 19:15:52 +0000 http://blogforidaho.com/?p=6#comment-29 The Left Liberals and the Right Conservatives both tend to cherry pick what parts of the Bill of Rights (and the rest of the Constitution) to emphasize and support. I'd like to think, at least for myself, that as Freedom Democrats we see them all as vital. The Left Liberals and the Right Conservatives both tend to cherry pick what parts of the Bill of Rights (and the rest of the Constitution) to emphasize and support. I’d like to think, at least for myself, that as Freedom Democrats we see them all as vital.

]]> Comment on On Larry Grant’s exit by liberaltarian http://blogforidaho.com/2008/04/10/on-larry-grants-exit/#comment-28 liberaltarian Sat, 12 Apr 2008 18:59:47 +0000 http://blogforidaho.wordpress.com/?p=17#comment-28 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. 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.

]]> Comment on On Larry Grant’s exit by W. Lane Startin http://blogforidaho.com/2008/04/10/on-larry-grants-exit/#comment-27 W. Lane Startin Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:21:07 +0000 http://blogforidaho.wordpress.com/?p=17#comment-27 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. 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.

]]> Comment on On Larry Grant’s exit by liberaltarian http://blogforidaho.com/2008/04/10/on-larry-grants-exit/#comment-25 liberaltarian Fri, 11 Apr 2008 10:27:02 +0000 http://blogforidaho.wordpress.com/?p=17#comment-25 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. 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.

]]> Comment on On Larry Grant’s exit by Julie in Boise http://blogforidaho.com/2008/04/10/on-larry-grants-exit/#comment-19 Julie in Boise Fri, 11 Apr 2008 04:22:02 +0000 http://blogforidaho.wordpress.com/?p=17#comment-19 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? 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?

]]> Comment on Canyon County wastes tax dollars on racketeering racket by liberaltarian http://blogforidaho.com/2008/04/02/canyon-county-wastes-tax-dollars-on-racketeering-racket/#comment-14 liberaltarian Sat, 05 Apr 2008 19:00:25 +0000 http://blogforidaho.wordpress.com/?p=15#comment-14 Canyon Cronies have proven they can waste much more of my tax dollars than any “liberal” could ever spend. This particular issue is but one of many on a list. Canyon Cronies have proven they can waste much more of my tax dollars than any “liberal” could ever spend. This particular issue is but one of many on a list.

]]> Comment on Friday Potpourri by liberaltarian http://blogforidaho.com/2008/04/04/friday-potpourri/#comment-12 liberaltarian Sat, 05 Apr 2008 18:48:09 +0000 http://blogforidaho.wordpress.com/?p=16#comment-12 Don't wory, after they swear in a few more Dems next year, we'll have a little better a session to look forward to. And Jim Hansen, brilliant move on their part. Don’t wory, after they swear in a few more Dems next year, we’ll have a little better a session to look forward to. And Jim Hansen, brilliant move on their part.

]]> Comment on Channeling Howard Cosell by W. Lane Startin http://blogforidaho.com/2008/03/25/channeling-howard-cosell/#comment-11 W. Lane Startin Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:12:16 +0000 http://blogforidaho.wordpress.com/?p=12#comment-11 As far as this particular piece of legislation goes, I could take it or leave it. It passes the legitimacy test by the absolute slimmest of margins. Whether or not you're pro-life yourself is immaterial here (I happen to not only be pro-choice, but pro-choice, adopted and born after Roe v. Wade). If someone wants to rename themselves Pro-Life, and goes through the legal process necessary to do it, that person should be called Pro-Life. If Pro-Life runs for office, that name should be the primary identifier on the ballot. It appears that's what's happening here, just with the "formerly known as" disclaimer appended to it. As far as this particular piece of legislation goes, I could take it or leave it. It passes the legitimacy test by the absolute slimmest of margins.

Whether or not you’re pro-life yourself is immaterial here (I happen to not only be pro-choice, but pro-choice, adopted and born after Roe v. Wade). If someone wants to rename themselves Pro-Life, and goes through the legal process necessary to do it, that person should be called Pro-Life. If Pro-Life runs for office, that name should be the primary identifier on the ballot. It appears that’s what’s happening here, just with the “formerly known as” disclaimer appended to it.

]]> Comment on Gravelanche warning? by W. Lane Startin http://blogforidaho.com/2008/03/25/gravelanche-warning/#comment-10 W. Lane Startin Fri, 04 Apr 2008 13:58:17 +0000 http://blogforidaho.com/?p=13#comment-10 Contrary to what they might claim, none of the contemporary third parties are big on things like "tolerance" or "diversity." If you're not in line, you're ostracized. Apparently <a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/03/bobbarrruns.html" rel="nofollow">Barr is going for the Libertarian Party nomination</a> with Ron Paul's support (at least his tacit support). If so that'll effectively shut Gravel - and the more progressive libertarian element - out of the LP for the foreseeable future. The flip side is with Barr as the LP nominee, the effect on the Democratic ticket will be virtually nil regardless of whether our nominee is Obama or Clinton. Barr is a much bigger problem for McCain. I agree Gravel has more in common with Edwards than Barr. He could have used that fact to his advantage within the Democratic Party, perhaps even with the DFC. But he didn't, he bolted to the Libertarians, and in all probability they'll snub him too. The best Gravel can hope for is Barr's VP slot, and I'm not sure if that's a place where he wants to be. This was a major mistake on his part. Contrary to what they might claim, none of the contemporary third parties are big on things like “tolerance” or “diversity.” If you’re not in line, you’re ostracized.

Apparently Barr is going for the Libertarian Party nomination with Ron Paul’s support (at least his tacit support). If so that’ll effectively shut Gravel - and the more progressive libertarian element - out of the LP for the foreseeable future.

The flip side is with Barr as the LP nominee, the effect on the Democratic ticket will be virtually nil regardless of whether our nominee is Obama or Clinton. Barr is a much bigger problem for McCain.

I agree Gravel has more in common with Edwards than Barr. He could have used that fact to his advantage within the Democratic Party, perhaps even with the DFC. But he didn’t, he bolted to the Libertarians, and in all probability they’ll snub him too. The best Gravel can hope for is Barr’s VP slot, and I’m not sure if that’s a place where he wants to be. This was a major mistake on his part.

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