Chutzpah

From the Idaho Democratic Party:

“It’s being reported that Gov. Butch Otter may soon have the opportunity to fill a vacancy in the

U.S. Senate. It’s also being reported that he is likely to appoint someone who has already declared an intention to seek that seat

“We believe that sends the wrong message. We think that the governor should appoint one of

Idaho’s top statesmen – such as former Gov. Phil Batt or former Gov. Cecil Andrus – to fill any vacant Senate seat.

Now, I want you to think for a moment about the suggestion that Otter appoint Cecil Andrus to the seat. Cecil Andrus is a Democrat. So, let’s get this straight, the Democratic Party is mentioning the name of a Democrat to replace a Republican Senator in a State with a Republican Governor, Two Republican Congressmen, Republicans in Statewide offices, and the most Republican legislature in the nation. It’s a Coup attempt with no reqired elements other than thinking the Governor has lost his mind.

Of course, the larger point of choosing someone who won’t run for the seat is an interesting one and it’s one I’m somewhat sympathetic to. Though, the idea that we send elderly retired politicians to go up in Washington isn’t what our state needs. I’d like a Mr. Smith Goes to Washington appointment where we send an honest every day citizen to Washington. Maybe, we could find someone who’d written letters to the Idaho Statesman that make sense (I know a tough challenge.) Regardless, it would be great to have someone outside the power structure.

Regardless, the Democrats’ motives are not quite that grand. It’s much harder to run against an incumbent Republican than the Lieutenant Governor or whoever would be the nominee.  The advantages of being a Senator makes an uphill battle much harder for the Democrats. That will basically explain why Governor Otter will appoint Jim Risch and Idaho Democrats can complain about it, but they haven’t the clout to object in any organized way.

In addition, if Risch is elected in 2008, the state will be better off senioritywise.