OPINION: Incumbents can’t defend the indefensible

Anger and incompetence have had more than enough time at the forefront of Idaho politics. It’s time to turn the page. 

Nov. 5 will be a watershed moment in Idaho history. People in their thousands are finally fed up with legislators who sail through on the Republican brand alone — doing little to actually preserve and elevate our standard of living. 

While Rep. Heather Scott doubles down on cannibalism, women wonder who is going to protect their private medical history from government interference. 

This is why we need Loree Peery in the House of Representatives in District 2. A sixth-generation North Idahoan and hospital nurse, Loree knows that locals value their medical safety and privacy, and she will fight for it. 

While Rep. Elaine Price votes to flood our schools with firearms, teachers wonder if their next paycheck will be enough to support their family -— or if they will even continue to have a job depending on local levies. 

This is why we need Paula Marano in the House of Representatives in District 4. The Idaho Legislature needs Paula’s once-in-a-lifetime combination of compassion and strength of character. Through decades spent in education and bi-partisan community service, Paula will bridge the divide between our community’s needs and the laws being passed in Boise. 

While Sen. Phil Hart’s highest goal is to return the United States to the Gold Standard, voters in Kellogg wonder if they’ve been abandoned. 

This is why we need Tom Hearn in the Idaho Senate — someone who (unlike Hart) lives in the district he is fighting for. Tom has a unique combination of experiences that make him an ideal Idaho Senator. He has been appointed by both Republican and Democratic governors to a variety of statewide boards and commissions. With a lifetime of experience as a youth mental health professional, Tom knows how to support and encourage the next generation of thriving Idaho leaders. 

In these races, the incumbents know that their stances are outdated and that they have lost touch with the voters they promised to represent. 

The Republican opinion that, “I don’t need to campaign, I’ll get elected anyway” should infuriate every voter. 

This Republican disconnection from voters is evident even on the federal level. Congressman Russ Fulcher won’t debate Democratic opponent Kaylee Peterson, who he knows is an exceptional debater. He reasons that taking the debate stage would amount to “campaigning for her.”

He is right. 

When stacked against competent, talented alternatives, Republican incumbents are afraid that voters might finally see their disconnected ineptitude. Open and honest debate would be the single worst thing to happen to Republicans in Idaho. 

When stacked side by side, Democrats present a better option for all of us this November. 

Because of a pause in political columns preceding the election, you won’t hear from me again on this page until after Nov. 5. In the coming weeks, I urge all voters to be informed and look carefully at each candidate. You can learn more about the talents of Democratic candidates at https://bit.ly/m/KCDemsCandidates. 

Democratic candidates are fighting for a Legislature that is defined by competence, leadership and hope for all Idahoans.   

We work for a future filled with hope for all of us. A future where families of all shapes and sizes thrive. A future where no bureaucrat is involved in women’s private health care decisions. A future where libraries remain open and our public schools remain funded. 

A future where we are all moving forward together toward a More Perfect Union.

• • •

Evan Koch is chairman of the Kootenai County Democrats.