Posted on 05/24/2006 9:38:18 PM PDT by NapkinUser
BOISE - Bill Sali has a strong base of supporters because of his long-standing support for smaller government, less taxes, and anti-abortion legislation. He also has a distinct and-- some say-- combative style that has often alienated him from his colleagues.
For that reason, Idaho Democrats rejoiced in front of the statehouse steps Wednesday.
"Republicans have made a lot of mistakes in recent years, but nominating (Sali) for the candidate for the first congressional district, I think, was one of their biggest," said Richard Stallings, chair of the Idaho Democratic Party, as he prepared to introduce the winners of his party's primary.
Stallings says Sali's candidacy could bode well for Democrat Larry Grant, because the conservative Republican won only 26 percent of his party's vote Tuesday evening-- which means more than 70 percent of Republicans who turned out to the polls did not vote for him.
"Sali brings a lot of negatives, a lot of baggage his own party's uncomfortable with," Stallings said.
During his years in the statehouse, Sali's approach and style offended some fellow lawmakers, including House Speaker Bruce Newcomb, who admonished him on two occasion last session for questioning his authority on the floor, and for linking abortion and breast cancer during a debate over informed consent legislation.
Political science expert Randy Stapilus says, "(Sali) is not a very popular figure in the Legislature, so the concern would be that in Congress that kind of a situation would be magnified."
But after Tuesday's primary, Sali says he's the GOP's standard bearer.
"I expect the Republicans will come around to the fact that they've got a nominee that they need to support. You don't always win the exact candidate that you want. We've all lived through that," Salid told KBCI CBS 2 News. "You know, when it comes to Republicans versus Democrats, it's time for the Republicans to rally around and carry the Republican banner across the finish line."
Sali tells us he plans to reach out to all members of his party, and warns this election could tip the balance of power in Congress because more Democratic victories next November could make their leader, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the next speaker of the house.
On Wednesday, Newcomb told the press he thought Keith Johnson, Sheila Sorensen, or Norm Semanko would have been stronger candidates. He adds he is concerned Democrats could view Idaho's first congressional race as a key factor in their quest to take over the U.S. House.
"The Democrats are probably strengthened by the fact Bill Sali is the Republican candidate," Newcomb said. "If this becomes a targeted race by the Democratic National Committee, you will probably see more Republicans rally around Bill Sali."
(Denny Crane: "Every one should carry a gun strapped to their waist. We need more - not less guns.")
This is laughable. This is the same district that elected Helen Chenowith three times. It is obviously not averse to electing conservatives.
Make that Chenoweth.
I dont know Newcomb, but if he was a class-act Republican, he would make a public endorsement of Sali and help him at his next fundraiser.
Now is the time for the party to rally around their candidate and win in November.
Let the Rats waste their money on this district.
Even if Sali proves not to be a good candidate, they can't win anything but Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint -- not enough.
Would this sentiment apply to Chaffee ? Or is this a one way street ?
I think you forgot to mention that Sali won with 18,000 votes while the two democrats combined won 13,000 votes.
How wrong is the media ? If the dems win this seat, congress will be 435-0 for the dems.
This district looks like a republican version of downtown Detroit in that it is unwinable for the democrats.
"Now is the time for the party to rally around their candidate and win in November.
Would this sentiment apply to Chaffee ? Or is this a one way street?"
You'll have to ask Mr. Sali.
This from the party that could have their entire caucas meet in a closet. In Canyon County (the number 2 county for population in the district) the Dems only bother contesting one or two of 15 seats.
Some people don't like to hear the truth.
Newcomb, the Republican speaker of the House, a month ago publicly called Sali a "frigging idiot" because in floor debate, Sali truthfully talked about evidence linking abortion with an increased risk of breast cancer. Don't hold your breath waiting for "class."
As recently as 1990 and 1992, this same district elected a very liberal Democrat, Larry LaRocco. Chenoweth took him out in 94 after a LaRocco marital affair scandal erupted in the closing weeks...though Helen may well have beat him without the scandal.
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