Who should I vote for in the 2008 Idaho Senate Race?
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Larry LaRocco is a respectable man who has served his country by being a captain for the United States Army. Every issue Mr. LaRocco has laid out detailed plans and how he plans to solve them. Some day this man is who the Democrats should look to as the next leader of the Democratic Party and not men like Senators Barack Obama or Harry Reid. Mr. LaRocco clearly has a Constitutional understanding of the War in Iraq and believes Congress should take leader role, as it should had in the beginning, in solving the quagmire, which shall be known as Iraq. Majority of Republicans and Democrats agree on that the United States needs to change its energy policy and provide more Government funding to Research and Development, which will, in the end, even create more jobs to the private and public sectors. The Democratic Senator Candidate also understands civil liberties that are guaranteed to citizens under the United States Constitution and “Our Founding Fathers created the Bill of Rights to protect American citizens from their own government, not to make it easier for the government to spy on its own citizens or torture prisoners.” Mr. LaRocco is an extremely qualified candidate running for the Idaho Senate. Side: Larry LaRocco
Last night, Democrat Larry LaRocco and Independent candidate Rex Rammel squared off in the first of ten live debates leading up to the Idaho Senate elections this fall. Jim Risch, the Republican candidate, was invited to the debate yet turned down the offer. While both the candidates present at the debate criticized Risch for failing to attend the debate, they each found points of disagreement between the two of them to clarify the distinctions of their platforms (however subtle.) The debate brought out an interesting nuance to the Democrat's and Independent's position on the war in Iraq. LaRocco ardently opposes the war, while Rammel expresses encouragement in Saddam's capture, the progress of the troop surge, and a withdrawal of the troops "now that the war looks essentially over." On energy, they both align themselves with the efforts towards clean energy alternatives, particularly the use of nuclear energy. However, LaRocco attacked Rammel on his support of coal (what LaRocco claims is a "dirty" alternative) at a time when it's a popular option other than oil Side: First Debate
LaRocco is indeed very energy conscious and incredibly zealous when it comes to Idahoans and their future role in the search for renewable energy. LaRocco insists that Americans must recognize the damage being done by our country to the planet. Regardless of damage done by countries across the Atlantic, America must stand up for the health, both economically and environmentally, of future generations. Not only is Idaho an ethanol leader on the cusp of low-cost biomass production, but LaRocco sees potential in almost all alternative sources for his state. Wind and geothermic energy are huge resources for Idahoans, not only in terms of job market increase and economic promise, but also in making Idaho an environmental energy leader. The hot springs underground support a plethora of energy resources and the INL (Idaho Nuclear Laboratory) is a perfect resource for nuclear energy and renewable energy research. Jim Risch has a history with Exxon Mobil and big oil contributions which explains his partisanship voting US petroleum resources. He does support getting rid of coal factories that release mercury as a bi-product, but what of domestic oil? Shouldn't the primary focus be on fixing our dependency instead of just drilling everywhere we can? Jim Risch's plan focuses on future renewable energy and a growth in Idaho's environmenatal economy. He even says that the money he takes from Big Oil is FOR renewable energy: (http://www.ontheissues.org/ Side: Environmental Idaho
In addition to LaRocco's push to make the state of Idaho a major player in the efforts for investing in alternative and renewable energy, he is also aligning himself with initiatives aimed at preserving Idaho's wildlands and national forests. He supports the new roadless rules, which were endorsed under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (failed to pass) and continued in LaRocco's authorization of the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area Act, and he has made a priority of "making sure Idahoans retain our rights to traditional recreational, timber and mining activities". Protecting Idaho's environmental heritage and integrity while. at the same time, promoting economic growth and prosperity in developing renewable resources and building a robust job market is one of the primary agendas in LaRocco's Democratic platform for the Senate. Side: New Road Rules
Larry LaRocco (D) spoke out today warning against the near $700 billion bailout the Bush Administration is offering to help keep the top financial institutions from going completely under. The Democratic Senate hopeful says that, as much as he supports the government's intervention to protect against any further meltdown in our domestic markets, he is wary of the ripple-effect a bailout as large as $700 billion will have on American taxpayers and American industry. He has proposed that the government balance it's financial backing with "a similar legislation designed to respond to the nation's savings and loan crisis in the 1980s" (www.localnews8.com). In sum, he is putting his emphasis on tighter federal regulations in our markets over the extent to which Bush as offered to financially bailout the mortgage giants. Side: Caution on the Bailout
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LaRocco represents a responsible, progressive voice for Idaho- and he is endorsed by veterans, environmentalists, and working folk through out the state. It is time, on a local and national level, for us all to move in a new direction- away from the scandals, economic disasters, and endless wars that the GOP have brought us. LaRocco will fight for health care for everyone, a fair and intelligent solution to the current financial crisis, and better treatment for out veterans. He's even joining forces with T. Boone Pickens to find a solution to our energy problems. Integrity, innovation, and industry- that's what LaRocco brings to the Senate. Side: Larry LaRocco
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Risch is already showing more wisdom than typical Republicans on what to do about U.S. occupation in Iraq. So while he may be expected to win this race easily, he could end up either stealing some of the Democrats' spotlight or appealing to voters who want to see more bipartisan solutions. He should have no problem distancing himself from incumbent Larry Craig. Side:
 Jim Risch (R) Lt. Governor of Idaho, Jim Risch, is currently sitting in a (by all means) comfortable position as his campaign presses into the fall against the Democratic rival, Larry LaRocco. Idaho is considered one of the prominent Republican strongholds in the national election and, given that this will be the third time that these two candidates have ran against each other (in 1986 for the Senate seat and in 2006 for Lt. Governor,) Risch is heavily favored to take the position to be announced October 9. In a recent interview, Risch claimed that the energy crisis presents the largest challenge to the American people and the American government as we progress into the 21st Century. Risch is a firm supporter of clean energy initiatives, backing the pursuit of nuclear, geothermal, and solar alternatives. He also supports offshore drilling to break America's ties with foreign oil but is dedicated to the eventual end of our dependence on oil. Side:
Jim Risch (R) Jim Risch has been boasting throughout his campaign about the property tax cuts that he implemented as governor. Yet, the Tax Commission has released numbers suggesting that, in fact, Idahoans are paying more in property taxes than they were two years ago. While Risch worked hard to curtail any increase in property taxes, his legislation for the state resulted in a decrease of public school funding and maintenance and an increase in sales tax. For Idaho voters of modest means, this poses a very difficult prospect in a day when the prices of gas and groceries are forcing middle to lower class citizens to make hard budgeting decisions. Both candidates are pushing the tax issue heavily in their campaigns in hopes of garnering a significant independent, centrist voting block. At this point, it's essential for either LaRocco or Risch to speak beyond feel-good soundbites and political promises and start specifying detailed plans for Idaho's tax issues. Side: Tax Plans
As I've already noted, Risch is sitting on top of a sizable lead in the polls (the latest showing a 12-point lead.) The latest development in the Idaho Senate Race sees an effort on the part of Rep. Bill Sali (R - ID) to persuade the other three candidates - Libertarian Kent Marmon Party, Independent Rex Rammell, and a Constitution Party candidate who goes by the name "Pro-Life" - to forfeit the race in hopes that their exit will garner more votes for Jim Risch. According to Wayne Hoffman, a spokesperson for Sali, "This isn’t about them [the other candidates]. This is about the Democrats trying to use the number of people on the ballot to their advantage.” The move reflects the GOP's concern that these three candidates risk opening the door for the Democrats and Larry LaRocco to twist voting numbers in their favor. Despite Risch's lead in the polls, the GOP fears a five ticket ballot is too much of a risk to take come November given the potential that enough votes may be taken from Risch by the other candidates, which would be advantageous for LaRocco. Side: No Third Parties
On the Presidential level, the truth of the matter in Idaho is that the last Democrat favored in the state was Lyndon B. Johnson and, even then, LBJ only grabbed the nod by one percentage point over Barry Goldwater (R) nearly 34 years ago. Jim Risch (R) is hoping to ride on that state-wide voting trend all the way over his opponent, Larry LaRocco's, challenge to Larry Craig's seat in the Senate. And, while the majority of the political pundits, pollsters, bloggers, and other wizards have pretty much signed the state's presidential and senate fate to the Republican ticket in both cases, there is still the looming possibility that the ghosts of Craig's sex scandal in the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport may still haunt the GOP's chances in November. While it's highly unlikely, in an election season such as the one we're currently wading through, such variables should not be overlooked or underestimated when considering the shifting tides of the American voting public. Side: Possible undercurrents
It doesn't seem that Larry Craig's sex scandal has hurt Risch's (R) chances thus far in the campaign as he is currently leading Larry LaRocco (D) in the polls by a near 20-point margin. As Idaho is considered "the reddest state" (according to the Washington Times), this margin is what is to be expected. However, Risch has a pestering issue with two independent candidates who may (if they play their cards right) could pose a legitimate threat to the Republican by garnering enough votes to tighten the race up and (maybe) pull the election for LaRocco. The two independent candidates, a man who changed his name to "Pro-Life" and an angry Rex Rammell, whose political aspirations against Risch stretch beyond mere politics. Side: Beyond Politics
This article in the Idaho Statesman detailed a notable shift in Idaho Republicans who traditionally have run against environmentalists in the state with the same tenacity as they competed against their Democratic rivals and are now vying for their approval as the campaigns head into the last stretch before the election. The most outspoken Republican in this trend is Lt. Governor Jim Risch who boasts, "I've got a green streak a quarter-mile wide across my back." To back up his claim, Risch points out his success in blocking a coal-fired power plant in the Magic Valley and his legislation against mercury development. He is also putting his name alongside the roadless protection measures in Idaho's national forests as well as a proposal to boost the use of alternative energy in the state by 25% by 2025. Meanwhile, LaRocco discredits the Republican's environmental credentials: "I would say nice try, but Risch has no record to stand on." However, for what its worth, the Republican shift to environmental concerns is a talking point likely to perk up the ears of the independent vote (which, I'd argue, is the primary intent here) and an issue that deserves attention as the campaigns progress. Side: Risch the Environmentalist
Republican Senate candidate Jim Risch picked up a campaign boost from former Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney last week as the two traveled the state meeting with prominent business leaders and officials to raise money for the GOP Senate ticket. Among those included in their stops were Melaleuca President Frank Vandersloot and Micron Technology Chief Executive Officer Steve Appleton. Romney and Risch also appeared before a group of supporters at the Boise Airport before heading to Idaho Falls for yet another fundraiser. Romney offers Risch a unique endorsement as his pull with Mormon voters could offer a huge benefit in November as Mormons constitute the largest religion "by members" (says the Fort Mill Times) in the state of Idaho. Side: Mitt Romney Endorsement
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