Republicans focus on unified party

COEUR d'ALENE - Taking back federal lands, staying unified as a party, conservative pride and a deep appreciation for the Gem State were on the minds and lips of Idaho's politicians and hopefuls during the annual Kootenai County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner at The Coeur d'Alene Resort on Saturday evening.

Idaho Gov. Butch Otter commenced the three-minute political speeches for those seeking office and re-election. He began with recognition of Idaho's western values.

"Those western values include the right to live free and the right to be the architect of your own destiny," he said. "Just like we have done right here in Idaho."

Born and raised in Caldwell, Otter spoke of his experience raising cattle and horses. He intertwined a story of a trip to California that ended with the more than 350 attendees laughing in their seats.

"I can tell you this, knowing the financial state of California, if California were my horse I'd shoot him," he said.

Otter closed with his commitment to maintain a strong workforce, continue to cut taxes and continue to grow Idaho's economy at "a very substantial rate."

Also seeking the office of governor is Russ Fulcher, who grew up on a dairy farm in Meridian.

"I appreciate this state and what it stands for," he said. Fulcher has done extensive traveling, which he said has cultivated an understanding of how special Idaho is.

"More and more, like other states, we have become a subsidiary to the federal government, and that is the wrong path for us. There's a different vision for this state," he said.

Fulcher discussed four key points to progress Idaho.

"No. 1, our health care system," he said. "We need to choose an alternative to the Obamacare exchange."

The other points were the Gem State's federal lands, to reduce the fiscal tether with Washington, D.C., and education.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the people of Idaho need to control the education system within Idaho," Fulcher said. "Not some guy in Washington, D.C."

U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, who is seeking six more years, reminded the attendees that neither Texas, Kentucky nor Utah can boast the most conservative senator.

"You are represented by the most conservative member of the U.S. Senate," he said to a room of applause.

Risch, who previously served as Idaho State Senator, Lieutenant Governor and Governor, called for all Republicans to support one another.

"When that primary is over, I am going to, without reservation, embrace every single person that we nominate," he said. "Every one of you will join me, I hope, will join me in doing the exact same thing."

Congressman Raul Labrador made a similar call for unity. He spoke of the 11th Commandment, a notion created by former president Ronald Reagan. He explained it as an understanding that we should speak no ill of Republicans, he said.

"I want you to do everything that is necessary so we can keep Idaho red, and we can keep it the most conservative state in the union," he said.

Four individuals are seeking the office of secretary of state, including first-time political candidate and fourth-generation Idahoan Phil McGrane.

"The secretary of state oversees our elections," he said. "And ensures that we have honesty, fairness and transparency when we vote."

He referred to recent election challenges in North Idaho and how important it is for the secretary of state to understand the election process, as well as have the trust of the voters.

"We need to be able to work to assure that the trust is maintained in our elections, and I'm the candidate to do that," he said.