POLITICS: Locals think they're feds

Based on their literature and campaign slogans, one would think that our cadre of local GOP candidates are actually running for Congress instead of the state house. Their obsession with Obamacare is based on the assumption that a state legislator can change it, or that the mere mention of the term guarantees them angry votes. That’s wrong, either way. I’m not pleased with the Affordable Care Act, but it’s the law. I would prefer candidates who are willing to govern instead of those who are better fit to be taking pot shots on a radio talk show, ranting on a blog, or screaming into a Tea Party microphone.

Idaho and Kootenai County face major issues. These issues, generally ignored by our Legislature, include mental health care, criminal transition facilities and government corruption. I’d like to see more local control. The issues of minimum wage and “add the words” should be presented and debated. And which candidates are offering realistic solutions to improve Idaho schools? These are the issues that concern me. Yet I must lamentably fish for candidates in a very shallow pond.

DAN GOOKIN

Coeur d’Alene