Politics is everywhere, moose aren't, publisher flip flops

The folks at the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce are still shaking their heads over this one. A person called up recently and asked if a representative sample of our resident moose population would be available for viewing on Wednesday … around 3 p.m. Seems they wanted to drive up here for a moose viewing only if the chamber could guarantee moose. I assume they told the uninformed phoner to va-moose.

The Daily Bee hasn't endorsed candidates yet this year, but we will. One measure about how a person may or may not do in office could be how good they are about following rules. Adhering to deadlines would be a good sign.

The Bee asked all local candidates to turn in a candidates' questionnaire Friday by 5 p.m. The following candidates did: Shawn Keough, Steve Elgar, Karl Dye, Mary Lou Shepherd, Joe Young, Steven Carter, Judie Conlan and Kirk DeHaan. Dick Harwood, Joyce Broadsword and Marti Calabretta missed the deadline but had legitimate excuses.

Both candidates for county assessor made the deadline but none of the sheriff's candidates did. Elaine Savage missed the deadline by a few hours and James Johnston turned his in Monday afternoon. Tony Lamanna turned his in sometime in between.

Four candidates have not turned in questionnaires at all: Patty Douglas Palmer, Steven L. Bauer, Frank Reichert and Gary Schulte.

Look for more political news Saturday in the Bee. A special edition will feature the answers to the questionnaires discussed above. Candidates will share their stances on topics such as the Sand Creek Byway, Rock Creek Mine and a host of other topics.

On Oct. 27, the Bee will host a candidates' forum at Sandpoint High School. All candidates are invited. Admission is free. Doors open at 5:30 and the forum begins promptly at 6 p.m.

We will offer have sample ballots at the forum. The Bee will have the sample ballots in the paper soon.

On Oct. 30, the Bee will have another special political edition. This one will feature the candidates writing about whatever they want. This forum, as well as the two special editions, will give voters a chance to cast intelligent votes on Nov. 2.

Speaking of intelligent votes, for whom are you going to vote in the presidential race? I'm torn between the guy who can't put together a coherent sentence — much less a domestic or foreign policy and spends money like there is no tomorrow — and the vice president who has had four heart attacks and is beholden to big oil.

Or, if that doesn't suit you, how about the left of left liberal who has been in Washington, DC, far too long and is kind of a lightweight who has the trial lawyer vice president who hasn't completed his first term in office?

Whatta country.

Cast your practice vote at bonnercountydailybee.com. As of Monday night, 152 votes have been cast. 64.9 percent for Kerry. 35 percent for Bush. With 0 percent of the precincts reporting, the Daily Bee newspaper has called the election, and the winner is…

Schweitzer's Ron Nova says the region's premier ski resort is projecting a great year for snow and visitors. Looking up the hill Monday and seeing the snow fill in the runs, reminds me that it's time to dig out the skis. Watch for some great news soon from Schweitzer.

Sandpoint continues to make a national media splash. Tim Cochran, who is one of the nicest people around, gave me a copy of the Fall 2004 Patagonia catalog. On Page 72 is a photo of Holly Walker chopping wood "on the family farm near Sand Point, Idaho."

The Daily Bee is combining with the Coeur d'Alene Press for the region's first online and in print auction. We expect nearly $300,000 in merchandise and services to be offered in the auction that will run from Nov. 1-6. More details later this week. If you are interested in participating, call Kathy at the Bee at 263-9534. It will be a sure bet.

You want another sure bet? Don't bet against the Bee ad staff.

I lived up to my end of a bet Friday night at the Sandpoint, Moscow football game. Please see photo as evidence. Want a thrill? Try running out on a football field in front of everyone you know dressed up as a cross between Aladdin and his love interest, complete with the hairy armpits, Jasmine.

My short dance routine was punctuated by two handstands that raised money for Sandpoint Rotary — thanks to another bet by Rotarian Ivan Rimar. My biggest fear is when I die some day in the distant future, the Daily Bee staff will scramble to find a photo to go with my long and distinguished obituary. The only photo they will find will be me dancing at the football game.

That might not be a bad thing — at least it looks like I am smiling.

David Keyes is publisher of the Bee. His column runs Tuesdays.