Politics: Congress
Can a Mixed Congressional Delegation Truly Collaborate?
The Idaho delegation issues a joint statement. Will it lead to anything?
By Jill Kuraitis, 1-09-09
Idaho’s two Senators and two congressmen today sent a joint letter to the editor statement to the Idaho media:
Dear Editor,
On January 6th, three of us took our public oath to serve the people of Idaho in the United States Congress--two for the first time and one for the 6th time--and the fourth moved into a new role as senior Senator. Together, we look forward to working to uphold the values of all Idahoans and promoting what is good for our families, communities and state.2009 begins in a challenging time for our state and nation. Whether it is personal or business financial uncertainty, a loved one serving our nation overseas, health care or housing concerns, or just getting through what is proving to be a second hard winter, Idahoans have concerns about what the future will hold. While it is indeed true that there are challenges ahead in 2009, there are also tremendous opportunities to make positive gains.
You can count on your Idaho Congressional delegation to work hard, together and with Governor Otter for the good of Idaho and Idahoans. We are united in this commitment and plan to take every opportunity we can to accomplish goals that reflect Idaho’s heritage of individualism, hard work and commitment to family and our unparalleled natural resources. We appreciate the opportunity to serve in public office, and pledge to work collaboratively and uphold the dignity and respect of our offices.
Respectfully,
The Idaho Congressional Delegation:
Senator Mike Crapo (R)
Senator Jim Risch (R)
Congressman Mike Simpson (R)
Congressman Walt Minnick (D)
In a era when Americans are particularly fed up with partisanship, provoking further exasperation doesn’t seem wise for any member of Congress. And lawmakers such as the Idaho delegation seem more sincere than ever in declaring that collaboration will yield better results.
But justified as it is for citizens to expect their representatives to finally rise above the acrid opposition which has led to a stunning lack of progress in reforming American policies, many are cynical. And history shows we shouldn’t count on it.
President-Elect Obama has made post-partisanship a mantra, which worries some Democrats on the left. They wonder if Obama wants real victories with reform, or only those after which he can declare it was accomplished with Republican support. Is playing nice more important to him than the big policy changes so many Democrats crave?
The far left may want to be careful what they wish for if party control is on their agenda. Running roughshod over the other party hasn’t worked out well for Republicans, and inflicting revenge can’t possibly be what the people want.
It’s too bad that, in a country that seems more and more centrist, that there isn’t a true Party of the Middle which might help get things done in Washington, where that hasn’t happened in quite awhile.
It sounds good, just like the letter above from the four gentlemen.
Now let’s see it.
[End of article]
Is Walt Minnick notably different from the three Republicans in any sense other than the little D behind his name?
Comment By Julie Fanselow, 1-10-09Well, I happen to think Democrats ARE the party of the middle, and Obama's victory - and Walt's, here in Idaho - are good evidence of that.
There are moderate Republicans, but the GOP is badly diviuded these days between people who want to focus on jobs and the economy and those who want to talk about transgendered bathrooms at BSU. Many moderate Republicans voted for Walt because they are sick of their party's extremists controlling the agenda.
I like the terms "centrist" and "the center," but I pray that the media and especially Democrats will stop using the words left and right. They imply that our country is much more divided than it is. Most of us are in the broad center. Most of us want the country to move forward - making us progressive - rather than revert to the 1950s.
Minnick already voted against the paycheck fairness act. He doesn't think men and women who do the same job should get paid the same.
Maybe the way he is going to get along with the wingnuts is by being a sexist.
You know why Dems are better representatives in Red areas than Republicans are? Because if they screw up or don't represent the people properly the Reeps will take them out. Conversely, in a Red area an elected official who's a Reep can lie, cheat, steal, and fornicate with impunity.
Take it from me -- I live in a Red zone, my congressman is a Republican, and he does all four of the above on a regular and documented basis. And we'll never get rid of him.
Lucca Danti was born December 09, 2008 with a rare blood disorder called COMPLETE DiGeorge syndrome. Only 250 babies are born in the US each year with this syndrome, but only 5 - 10 have the COMPLETE DiGeorge Syndrome without a Thymus. Lucca needs to have a Thymus Transplant and Heart surgery, with out it, he will not make it to his 1st birthday. The only Hospital that can do such a surgery in the US is Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC. Blue Cross of Idaho is playing God and has denied his health benefits claim, despite numerous letters from the doctors, specialists, and medical staff both at Boise St. Luke's Children's Hospital and Duke University. A Thymus Transplant will be a first for Idaho.
Ed & Heather Danti (208) 941-0377, 899-8830