Legislative candidates seek votes

PONDERAY — Four Bonner County residents vying for two state legislative seats met Tuesday night at a candidate’s forum to present their cases to the people who will decide their fate at the May 27 primary election.

On hand were Distirct 1 Sen. Shawn Keough, R-Sandpoint, and her primary contender, Laclede’s Donald Heckel, as well as District 1 Rep. Eric Anderson, R-Priest Lake, and his opponent Daniel Lawrence of Laclede.

Keough, a three-term senator, touted her strong track record of service while defending what was referred to as a “do nothing Legislature.”

“Have we gotten everything accomplished that we wanted to? No, but we’ve made progress,” Keough said. “I hope you’ll give me the honor to let me continue that work.”

A vocal opponent of Keough, Heckel claimed that his positions are more conservative than those of Keough, and made clear where he would govern differently.

Heckel saved his most stinging remarks for Keough’s vote on a bill that would require minors to gain parental consent before having an abortion.

“A person has to be 21 years old to drink alcohol, but can get an abortion at 15? Senator Keough voted no,” Heckel said.

Asked about the state tax on groceries, Anderson defended the tax, but pledged to work on upping the tax credit to help Idaho families.

“We talk about this a lot in Boise, and I’m personally not a fan of any tax on groceries,” Anderson said. “The tax credit isn’t enough. We’re not there yet. I’d like to see it a $100 credit for each individual.”

Lawrence, who previously worked as a minister, spoke to the attentive crowd about why he chose to involve himself in politics.

“To see the need is to hear the call, and I feel like I’ve seen the need,” Lawrence said. “I have an understanding that we have a government of the people, by the people and for the people.”

Candidates also discussed the place of chemicals in the eradication Eurasian milfoil, funding highway improvements, property tax relief and a slough of ways that each believe they can improve the lives of Bonner County residents.