Election 2008: Idaho's First CD

Democrat Minnick Wins Idaho’s First District, Sali Refuses to Concede

By Jill Kuraitis, 11-05-08

For Idaho Democrats, Tuesday night was all about Barack Obama and Walt Minnick.

After Boise election-night gatherings went wild as Obama’s historic win was announced, Democratic candidate for Senate Larry LaRocco conceded his loss to Lt. Gov. Jim Risch, and sentiment for the hard-working stalwart and former congressman LaRocco influenced the mood. 

Then the waiting began as the votes were counted for the race for the 1st Congressional District seat between businessman Walt Minnick and one-term incumbent Bill Sali, and the candidates traded places for the lead several times.  It wasn’t until about 11:00 this morning that results were final.  Minnick took 51% with 175,567 votes; Sali 49%, with 171,324.

Minnick formally declared victory at the Idaho Historical museum at 11:15 in front of a demanding line of cameras and reporters, and was pulled in all directions for many interviews.  He and his campaign staff had been up nearly all night waiting for results, and his two younger kids, home from school today, leaned on him from time to time as he was talking.

A conservative Blue-Dog Democrat, Minnick told New West he would make “working across party lines” mean something, and had already spoken with 2nd District Congressman Mike Simpson, who won reelection to his seat. They talked briefly about working on public lands and water issues, the Boulder-White Clouds Initiative and other big projects already being undertaken by the Idaho delegation.

Minnick said he felt the wave of voter disgust with bitter partisanship that has paralyzed progress in Washington, and has no intention to be part of it, but rather part of the end of it. “If President Obama creates an environment with his leadership that cooperation is the way to get things done, that will be a good thing for everyone, and I will do everything I can to facilitate that attitude.”

Minnick’s wife, A.K. Lienhart-Minnick, is a former reporter and anchor in local television news (And - full disclosure - my close friend.) She said the next step for the Minnick family is a trip to Washington, D.C. to scope out housing and schools.  Dixon, 15, is in high school, and Denali, 11, will soon head for middle school. 

After the press conference, Idaho Republicans gathered on the steps of the temporary Capital building.  According to the Idaho Statesman, Sali refused to concede the election to Minnick, saying, “We’re going to wait until things turn out.”

According to the Idaho Secretary of State election results, all votes have been counted.

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