US Rep race from Idaho's 1st District

Republican Bill Sali - incumbent
Democrat Walt Minnick - nominee

This post only concerns those of us who live in Idaho's 1st congressional district, which would be me, Marne, and Andrew. However, the rest of you should feel free to comment as you feel inclined to do so.

Back in 2006 when Sali was the republican nominee to replace Butch Otter for one of Idaho's US Reps, I couldn't believe he was the best that the Idaho Republican Party could come up with. All the info I could find on the guy at that time (from fair sources) labeled him as arrogant, hard to work with, and somewhat ignorant. Needless to say, Larry Grant was the only democrat I voted for in 2006. The rest of my ballot was red. Sali barely won by only 5% or 11,908 votes.

Now that Sali's freshman term has come to an end, hopefully Idaho's embarrassing inability to elect a competent representative has too. I could go on in listing my distaste for the guy, who even among fellow party members isn't any more popular than foot fungus, but I will constrain myself to the following:

His voting record speaks for itself. Not only has he often voted in opposition to his fellow US rep Mike Simpson -R , but his voting pattern lacks obvious coherency. NO seems to be his favorite voting preference, regardless of the issue. And in so doing, he always seems to be voting against bills that overwhelmingly pass in both chambers of Congress. He never once voted in favor of the State Children's Health Insurance Program, he's unintentionally confused about health care in general, and the National Education Association has given Sali a grade of F.

If his voting record wouldn't be enough to convince me otherwise, his complete defiance concerning multiculturalism and religious superiority would. I personally hold a relatively high opinion regarding the importance of multiculturalism and respectful tolerance in our diverse society. When a statesman makes comments like Sali has about cultural and religious diversity, all I can do is shake my head and say "He doesn't understand". Someone wisely said "Respect begins with understanding".

And lastly, the whole maturity thing doesn't seem to be a high priority for him, not to mention his infamous ability to propose preposterous bills.

Walt Minnick has my vote, even if it's just to get rid of Sali.