Thoughts on the Filings

Well, it’s that season again. Filing season. It’s that time of the year when I feel a slight rumble. When I first ran for the State House in 2004, I ran because I saw some things that needed fixed in our state. Part of me still has some fire in the belly, but I think not enough to do anything other than give me indigestion.

However, I believe that I’m doing what I can best for my fellow citizens as I comment on the news and politics. From the sidelines, I’m free to do things that politicians rarely do: be myself and speak the truth.  I also get to report on the news and be one of those few conservatives that write and blog, and help fight back deceitful demogogues and the local press. (I repeat myself.)

I also tend to think that it’s wise to have some means before running for an office like State Senator. Not to be rich, but to be financially independent. I think it’s awfully hard to run for a job when you’re working for corporate America rather than yourself.  

If I were to run seriously for an office, I’d probably run for Senate in District 18. Good news is that there’s already a Republican Candidate out here.

I suppose if I had nothing better to do, I’d run for Lieutenant Governor. Though, if I were going to run, I would have started much sooner. I think it’s a pity. Lieutenant Governor Brad Little (R-Id.) may run without opposition and unless he’s challenged by a supertalented political leader, Little will probably coast in the Primary and General, and thus be able to continue the Batt-Otter-Little gentleman farmer dynasty in the state GOP, which will guarantee that unless Jim Risch returns from Washington in 2014 to run for Governor, that Republicans will have nothing to offer but stagnate leadership for the rest of the decade.

Now, that we’re clear on me. Here are some thoughts on some of the other filings:

• Senator Nicole Lefavour (D-19) is opting to return to the House. I’m happy for her. I read her blog in 2008 and it was a lot happier place. While I find her antics to be undignified for a State Senator, I don’t dislike her. Anyone who can imagine Rep. Lenore Barrett (R-35) as a champion slam poet can’t be all bad. I think she realized she wasn’t happy in the State Senate, and wasn’t terribly effective there. Of course, changing chambers she doesn’t  lose money. She loses prestige and a little office space, but that’s a small price for enjoying your life more.
• As an added note, I find it ironic that LeFavour seems to have enjoyed serving with her more Conservative former House colleagues than her current more liberal Senate colleagues. I guess it goes to show that ideology isn’t everything in where to work.
• The confusion over LeFavour’s replacement in the Senate may give a look inside the Democratic Party. LeFavour had intended to talk to Freshman Rep. Brian Cronin (D-19) running for her State Senate Seat. However, four term Rep. Anne Pasley-Stuart (D-19) jumped in. Said LeFavour.” Don’t expect a Democratic Primary between Pasley-Stuart and Cronin, which might happen with Republicans. This seems to be one of the recent secrets of the Ada County Democrats’ recent success. Most of the Democratic legislative candidates start their active campaigning for re-election in July, while Republicans hold off their efforts until September. However, I’d say that both parties nominees work equally as hard. However, the GOP nominees often have to spend 2 months going through a Republican Primary while the Democrats usually have uncontested primaries that allow them to spend 4 straight months campaigning, while the Republican candidate spends two in the Spring and two in the Fall. I think the Democrats work out their nominees in a very concerted way and avoid expensive or difficult primary fights so they can maximize their time, money, and resources in the Fall. This isn’t even something the GOP can do because there are so many different interests and factions that it’s near night impossible.