I Return to the Statesman

Its been a while since I have had a letter to the editor in the Statesman. They published one on Wednesday regarding Larry Grant’s out of state money:

With all the talk about campaign contributions to Bill Sali, has anyone examined what Larry Grant has received? Mr. Grant has been the recipient of $18,000 in out-of-state labor PAC money and $10,000 in out-of-state individual contributions. Mr. Grant’s biggest backer has been himself. He has put more than $50,000 down in loans and donations to finance his own campaign.

My point is not that Mr. Grant has been corrupted by this money, but to ask a question. Why is the out-of-state money given to Mr. Sali important while Mr. Grant’s isn’t? It’s true that Sali has received more money from out of state, but so what? Both candidates have received money from people outside of Idaho who want to influence the election. Should Bill Sali be punished because the interests backing him are more effective?

Don’t kid yourself. With Idaho’s 1st District in play, out-of-state interests on both sides have an interest in this race and will send money by the thousands. Don’t get snookered by deceptive political hacks who raise phony issues in this campaign. Pick the candidate who aligns with your values and will do the best job for Idaho.

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