Otter has his backers

COEUR d’ALENE — Republicans in North Idaho are unified in supporting Gov. Butch Otter for re-election in November.

At least those who responded to a Press survey.

The Press contacted Republican Party candidates in Legislative Districts 2, 3 and 4 for a quick survey to find out where they stand and who they think their constituents will back.

There was a Republican Party split in the primary with tea party favorite and state Sen. Russ Fulcher winning a lot of Republican votes in May, but for the Nov. 4 general election the troops are likely rallying around their candidate.

Vito Barbieri, a Republican representative from District 2, said he believes Idaho must stick with a Republican governor to make sure the state stays on the right path.

But Barbieri said voters in his district are disappointed with Otter, and ultimately it will be up to them to decide who wins the job.

“They’re in the mood to leave the box unchecked” in voting booths this fall, Barbieri said.

Eric Redman, an Athol Republican seeking Seat B in District 2, said he will be voting for Otter. He said there is no way Idaho can afford to have a Democrat win.

“Even the ones who voted for Russ Fulcher said they’ll vote for Otter,” said Redman, referring to the people he has spoken to as he has campaigned.

Rep. Ron Mendive, of Coeur d’Alene, said Otter needs to be re-elected and is supporting him.

“There have been some issues” of disagreement with the governor, Mendive said. The main issue was Otter’s support for the health insurance exchange, he said.

“Still, overall, I’m much more in agreement with him than with the Democrats,” Mendive said.

Post Falls resident Don Cheatham, who is seeking House Seat B in District 3, said he will be voting for Otter.

He said there are a lot of Republican voters who support Otter, and plenty who don’t because they feel he isn’t conservative enough.

“I think it’s a split,” Cheatham said.

“I’m 110 percent behind Butch Otter,” said Rep. Luke Malek of Coeur d’Alene. “I was in the primary, and I will be in the general (election) as well.”

He said he believes his constituents are firmly behind the governor, too, “because of his stance on jobs and making education a priority.”

Rep. Kathleen Sims said she supports Otter and he will get her vote this fall.

“Of course I will support him,” Sims said. “When the primary is over everybody’s got to come together in the general.”

Republican state Sens. Steve Vick of Dalton Gardens, and Bob Nonini of Coeur d’Alene, didn’t respond to The Press for this survey. Republican state senate candidate Mary Souza of Coeur d’Alene, who beat John Goedde in the primary, also didn’t respond.