Ringo’s lawsuit garners Republican criticism
Post Published: 17 June 2010The Idaho Republican Party this week said Rep. Shirley Ringo’s lawsuit against the State Tax Commission and the Legislature is “frivolous and politically motivated.”
The Moscow Democrat alleges that the tax commission has granted “secret” tax breaks to prominent businesses and individuals at a cost to taxpayers who are unfairly faced with a heavier tax burden as a result.
“I find it ironic that Rep. Ringo and her Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate all opposed the State of Idaho suing the federal government over Obamacare because of the cost of litigation, yet she’s comfortable forcing taxpayers to pick up the tab to defend the State of Idaho against her,” Idaho GOP Executive Director Jonathan Parker said in a statement.
Northern Idaho lawmaker wants to legalize medical marijuana
Post Published: 17 June 2010Rep. Tom Trail, R-Moscow, is working on legislation he’ll introduce in 2011 that would legalize medical marijuana use for those with illnesses that cause chronic pain. Among the key points: it’s strictly limited to those who medically qualify, and there are controls in place like background checks and a registration to monitor it.
Capitol Confidential will bring you the full story in tomorrow’s Times-News.
Simpson joins Congressional House Beef Caucus
Post Published: 17 June 2010Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson is a member of the newly re-formed Congressional Caucus on Beef, his office announced today.
From his press release:
The House Beef Caucus will elevate awareness of issues that impact the beef and cattle industry in order to better educate and inform members of the House and their staff about cattle and beef production in the United States.
“House caucuses are often bipartisan and are a great mechanism for bringing awareness to important issues,” said Simpson in a statement. “The U.S. cattle industry faces many challenges, and Congress needs to be better informed of their issues in order to make better decisions. I’m hopeful this caucus will help address these concerns.”
The U.S. beef industry faces a wide range of challenges, including international trade, animal health, food safety, environment, conservation, and economic viability. The House Beef Caucus will provide the opportunity to speak as a collective voice about the importance ranching plays in our country and will utilize opportunities in Congress to help ranchers succeed.
Heider unseats Coiner
Post Published: 25 May 2010Lee Heider unseated three-term incumbent Sen. Chuck Coiner in the Republican primaries tonight, gaining the nomination for the District 24 seat with 57.21 percent of the vote.
Coiner garnered 42.79 percent. Heider had 2,624 votes, while Coiner had 1,963 votes, according to unofficial Twin Falls County results with all precincts reporting. With no Democrats running for election in November, the victory means Heider, a Twin Falls City Councilman, will become the district’s next senator.
“I don’t know what to say other than that I’m thrilled,” Heider said. “I’m really excited to represent our district in the Senate. … I’m extremely humbled. I think people will find that they have a true conservative voice in the Senate.”
Coiner said he was proud of his campaign and the people that supported him.
“We obviously didn’t get our word out enough,” he said. “We didn’t’ have the support he did, but the people have spoken.”
Also in District 24, six-term incumbent Rep. Leon Smith, R-Twin Falls, held onto his seat with 48.41 percent of the vote, or 1,646 votes. His opponents, Rusty Satterwhite and Mark Goodman, pulled in 29.31 percent, 890 votes and 22.28 percent, 673 votes, respectively. No Democrats are running for that seat.
Allred thanks voters for support
Post Published: 25 May 2010
Keith Allred, who appears the clear frontrunner for the Democratic nomination in the governor race, has already issued a statement thanking voters for their support:
“I’m grateful for the support from Idahoans in today’s primary,” Allred said in a statement. “Now, I invite Idahoans of all political stripes to join me in the months ahead.”
“I’m committed to working harder than ever to make Idaho’s government work for all of us. Idahoans’ interests must come ahead of special interests and partisan politics.”
“Idahoans want their schools properly funded and they want their governor to have a plan for boosting Idaho’s economy and creating new jobs. I’m excited to work with Idahoans to find practical solutions that work for everyone.”
Heider holds onto lead against Coiner
Post Published: 25 May 2010Here’s the latest between Sen. Chuck Coiner, R-Twin Falls and challenger Lee Heider. With 37 precincts out of 45 reporting, Coiner’s still behind with 43.79 percent of the vote, or 1,435 votes. Heider, meanwhile, has 56.21 percent, with 1,842 votes.
Stennett in the lead
Post Published: 25 May 2010Sen. Michelle Stennett, D-Ketchum, who filled in for her husband Clint Stennett this legislative session, appears to have made an impression with voters in District 25. She’s already well in the lead, with 505 votes, 91.5 percent. Her opponents, David Maestas, and Robert Blakely have 27 and 20 votes, respectively.
For Stennett, it’s her first run for the Democratic nomination on the Senate seat. Her husband was forced to sit out the 2009 session as well because of an illness. The winner will face Republican Jim Donoval in November.
Heider still in the lead
Post Published: 25 May 2010UPDATE: With 21 precincts out of 45 counted, Lee Heider is still hanging onto his lead against incumbent Sen. Chuck Coiner, R-Twin Falls, in the race for the GOP nomination in the District 2 4 Senate seat. Heider has 1,208 votes, or 56.24 percent, while Coiner has 940 votes, or 43.76 percent of the vote.
Smith has an edge on both opponents
Post Published: 25 May 2010Rep. Leon Smith, R-Twin Falls, is in the lead against two opponents with 21 precincts out of 45 reporting.
Smith has 1,065 votes, or 50.6 percent, while Rusty Satterwhite has 587 votes — 27.9 percent — and Mark Goodman has 449 votes, 21.3 percent.
Neck to neck between Heider and Coiner
Post Published: 25 May 2010With 10 out of 45 precincts reporting, the results between Lee Heider and incumbent Sen. Chuck Coiner, R-Twin Falls, for the Senate seat of District 24 show Hedier ahead.
Heider has 444 votes, or 59.4 percent, while Coiner 304 votes, or 40.6 percent. Hedier, a Twin Falls City Councilman, appears to benefitting from his existing name recognition, though it’s much to early to call this election.
With 35 precincts remaining and only 140 votes separating the challenger from Coiner, either one could easily win.