District 18A House Endorsement

This is the only primary race in the Treasure Valley to face an incumbent Democrat this fall. As it happens, the State Representative in question is Representative Branden Durst (D).

Durst, during his freshman term in the legislature has proven himself a determined member. In my personal encounters with him, he’s been unfailingly professional and courteous. Durst has been the second most conservative Democrat in the State House.

Durst is a hard worker and will be a tough opponent in the Fall. Whoever wins the Republican nomination will have their work cut out for them. The District faces a choice between former State Rep. Julie Ellsworth and Realtor Gail Hartnett.

Both Hartnett and Ellsworth are guilty of a certain retiscence about sharing their views with Conservative groups.  Ellsworth and Hartnett both failed to return the Gem State Voters Guide while Ellsworth blew off the Cornerstone Institute and Idaho Home Educators. This limits the informations voters have to make their decisions on.

Reviewing questionaires, Ellsworth is most often right, though occassionally wrong (such as her hesitance about merit pay), but Hartnett seems to hedge on issues such as day care, writing, “Not necessarily. Parents have choices about pre-kindergarten. and they have choices between private and public education. Taxpayer dollars should be spent efficiently when and where students will most benefit” in regards to the Statesman’s questions. In addition,  Hartnett is supported by former State Representative Debbie Fields (R-18) who, while she’s a very nice lady, is known to be to the left of Ellsworth.

Ellsworth’s answers show better understanding of the issues and more clarity with them. Writes Ellsworth on the childcare issues, “Idaho has extensive day-care regulations that include health and safety standards. These regulations allow cities and counties the authority to impose stricter regulations if they wish. The stricter standards discussed in legislative debates are already in place in Boise. A uniform standard on the state level would not necessarily fit the needs of the outlying communities such as Bonners Ferry. ”

Ellsworth is more clear on what she believes, although it may be hard to find. Ellsworth in the past has been endorsed by Idaho Chooses Life, and was helpful in the election of Congressman Bill Sali. As a candidate, she could most effectively make the argument that the district would have more influence with a Republican representative. She’s also shown a willingness to be active and work hard.

Hartnett’s views are vague on many state issues and with a patron whose known as a more moderate Republican, the clear conservative choice is Julie Ellsworth.