Why does Idaho vote Republican?

A letter in the Daily Bee (March 4, 2004) pointed out, that despite increases in Democratic activity, Idaho would vote Republican. Of course he's right. The reason, he states, is because Bush is a better man than Kerry. That is debatable, but not something for this letter.

Idaho's voting habits have given us a Republican Legislature that ignores the needs of most of its people.

For example, we have a house committee dealing with grass field burning that is chaired by a grass seed farmer. Those in power are more interested in supporting an industry that lines the pockets of a few than they are in the health of the people in Bonner County. The grass seed industry in Idaho doesn't even provide many jobs.

The Republicans of our Legislature also flagrantly ignore the law against closed-door meetings. A judge in Alabama lost his job recently for defying the law he was elected to uphold. How do our legislators get away with it?

Idaho voters could have a voter pamphlet, as most states do, giving us information about candidates and ballot measures so we can cast a better informed vote. But we don't. I guess our elected representatives think we vote in the dark.

The Republican Legislature gave the well-to-do a tax break several years ago, in the face of a declining economy. When the chickens came home to roost did they reimpose that tax? No, they added 1 percent to our sales tax, a tax that falls much harder on lower income people.

I don't understand the people of Idaho. We are one of the poorest states in the country, ranking 43rd in per capita income, yet we are one of the most Republican. Can anybody tell me why?

BOB WYNHAUSEN

Clark Fork