Forum incites spirited debate 

SANDPOINT­ — Aspirited back-and-forth between 10-term Sen. Shawn Keough, R, and challenger Glenn Rohrer, R, made for good theater at the Sandpoint High School auditorium Wednesday night.

Candidates vying for votes in the upcoming primary election assembled on stage to introduce themselves and field questions from audience members, both those present and those streaming the forum online. Steve Tanner, D, joined Keough and Rohrer as a contender for the District 1 state senate seat.

Ken Meyers, D, a candidate for the District 7 seat was at the forum while Republican District 7 incumbent Sen. Sheryl Nuxoll and challenger Carl Crabtree, R, did not attend.

Rep. Sage Dixon, R, incumbent in District 1B attended the forum, as did write-in candidate Ken Howlett, Kate McAlister, democratic candidate for District 1A, attended the forum while incumbent Heather Scott, R, was absent.

Rep. Shannon McMillan, R, the incumbent for District 7A, was present while her primary opponent, Priscilla Giddings, R, was not. Also present was Jessica Chilcott, D, who will run against the Republican candidate for the District 7A seat.

After the introductions, those who are running unopposed in the primary, including Tanner, Meyers, Dixon, McAlister and Chilcott, left the stage.

The remaining candidates took questions from attendees, which soon revealed that Keough and Rohrer disagreed on several issues. Responsible spending, campaign funding, the Clagstone project, education, taxes and success ratings fueled a spirit of competition as the forum progressed. 

When asked about the state budget, Rohrer said he would cut out much of the fat.

"By looking meticulously at the budget, there's a whole lot we can do in Boise to cut back. The budget should not be balanced by deficit spending," said Rohrer, who also stated his opposition to federal funding for the state.

"If we were to suddenly do without federal funding, we couldn't pay for plowing our highways and filling our potholes," countered Keough. "That's just one example. When some of Idaho land is a federal responsibility, we should be taking some of that money from the federal government."

In response to a question about the sources of campaign donations, Rohrer drew a definitive line in the sand.

"I do not accept donations from corporations, businesses or PACs ... I will go to Boise with no strings attached."

Keough was prepared with documentation to the contrary.

"I have a letter that went out from my opponent to a PAC asking for money, and I would be happy to share that with anyone who would like to see it," she said.

"I thinks she's referring to a letter that went out in May, asking for money from her PACs," said Rohrer. "I got some (funds) and then I gave them back. My vote is not for sale."

When asked why she voted for the Clagstone Meadows conservation easement, Keough said the state budget committee, which she chairs, scrutinizes each of the governor's requests on a case-by-case basis.

"This topic has been under discussion for five or six years here in the community. It allows public recreational access and Stimson to continue to harvest timber," she said. "If the easement falls apart, there will be no expenditure."

"I don't see why we should give them money," Rohrer said.

A question addressed to all the state-level candidates asked how each would address Idaho's educational shortcomings and wealth of minimum wage-level jobs.

"If our schools are underfunded, how do you expect our students to prosper?" said Steve Howlett.

"Regarding education, I have two children that graduated from Priest River Lamanna High School, and they have no problem," said Rohrer. "I support home schooling, private schools, charter schools and would like to bring vocational education into our schools."

"I've worked with teachers, parents and educational stakeholders to improve the situation," said Keough. "Also, we have expanded our investment just this year in adding slots in our vocational/technical programs."

An audience member asked the District 1 candidates about their approach to taxes.

Rohrer said he was not in favor of raising taxes.

"I have voted to decrease taxes across the board," said Keough. "I have worked to decrease the homeowner's deduction, and I continue to work to take the tax off of food. Yes, I did vote to increase fuel taxes and registration fees. We have a $500 million backlog per year (for roadwork). Unfortunately, sometimes you have to pay to get the work done."

When someone asked Keough to explain her "F-minus" rating by the Idaho Freedom Foundation, she said she also has a "B" rating from the American Conservative Committee.

"The Freedom Foundation is entitled to its opinion ... but I respectfully disagree with that opinion ... over the years, it has opposed bills that are very important to the community."

Rohrer said that he is looking forward to earning an "A" from IFF.