MINNICK: The Idaho chameleon

The fall season is upon us and the trees are not the only things changing colors. Idaho's First District Representative, Walt Minnick, is showing us that depending upon his constituents, his colors change as well.

To date Representative Minnick has refused to sign the OBAMACARE Discharge Petition. When his office was contacted by Heritage Action for America to inquire why he would not sign his response was that he did not sign "discharge petitions." However, on Sept. 23, 2009, he did sign a "discharge petition" that all bills receive 72 hours notice before voting upon. Thus it can be inferred that Rep. Minnick likes to speak conservative (red), but supports liberal (blue).

Another case is Minnick's support for HR3534 which will add a tax of $2 per barrel of oil and 20 cents per million BTUs of natural gas produced on federal and off shore lands. Plus, the bill places United States sovereign lands under the control of the United Nations. Once again Minnick talks conservative (red), but votes liberal (blue). On July 30, 2010, Rep. Minnick voted yea to this bill.

Finally, Rep. Minnick refused to sign a letter to continue the current income tax rates. According to Heritage Action for America (Sept. 29, 2010), a tax increase will mean an additional $817,856,756 tax burden to his district - monies that could stay in this district to stimulate our local economies, support our local schools, police and fire depts.

Walt Minnick is not best for Idaho. He chants in red, but votes in deep blue.

RUSS BOTTELSON

Post Falls