IDAHO POLITICS: Shift has changed landscape

Living in Coeur d'Alene for 60 years, I have seen a major shift in Idaho politics. Until 1970, the five northern counties had a Democratic voting majority, and the economy was fueled by timber, mining, agriculture and tourism. Southern Idaho was Republican, and the economy was driven by agriculture and ranching.

During the 1970s there was an influx of people moving to North Idaho from California. This continued into the '90s, and the five northern Idaho counties shifted to a Republican voting majority. At the same time, this area's economy saw a significant decline in timber and mining, but an increase in tourism.

By 2000 Northern Idaho had an accelerated influx of people "bailing out" of California and other metropolitan areas. These immigrants brought with them a radical conservative mindset, molded by what they had to deal with prior to escaping to Idaho.

It was easy for Brent Regan to organize a Kootenai County Republican Central Committee with a radical right-wing agenda. The KCRCC "vetting" candidates to vote for has led to some marginally, if not, unqualified candidates being elected.

A significant portion of these newcomers are retirees, and couples whose children are no longer in school. With no vested interest in education for children, they are lukewarm to supplemental school levies, and any other tax increases. This attitude is being further reinforced by the KCRCC. This significant influx of people to the Coeur d'Alene area has driven the cost of housing beyond the financial reach of many working-class families. Those families here now just scraping by aren't likely to vote for any tax increases, either.

MARK WEADICK

Coeur d'Alene