Vick, Nonini remain outside Senate during Hindu prayer

Seven senators remained outside the Senate chamber this morning as guest chaplain Rajan Zed delivered today’s opening invocation, a Hindu prayer, then took their seats immediately after it was done. The seven: Sens. Vick, Nonini, Nuxoll, Den Hartog, Rice, Patrick, and Siddoway. Vick had previously announced his plans to walk out, saying he objected to the Hindu prayer being delivered. 

Clad in a flowing orange robe, Zed said afterward, “We don’t mind. Hinduism is more embracing,” he said. “We are very inclusive in Hinduism. … I think that is fine.” He said, “Most of them welcomed me. They came out and shook my hand – some of them hugged me. It was good. There are multiple viewpoints. … That is what makes the country great, you know? Different viewpoints.”

More:  Eye on Boise blog/S-R   

Update: Statehouse reporters are tweeting that they've received notes from Idaho Senators Rick and Patrick that they were not boycotting the Hindu prayer. They had meetings that ran late.

Kimberlee Kruesi of the Associated Press tweeted that Sen. Nonini also had a meeting that ran late