Comments on: Dirk Gets Unkind Cut

By: Sharon Ullman

Sharon Ullman — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 03:51:13 +0000

I heard today that the Idaho Department of Commerce and Labor has just printed up a shiny new pamphlet featuring Governor Risch. Does that mean that when Governor Otter takes office, the first Monday in January, the taxpayers will again be paying an employee to cut the previous governor’s photo out?

I admit I haven’t seen these pamphlets myself. But, if the story is true, where are the fiscally conservative Republicans when we need them?!

By: Sisyphus

Sisyphus — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 16:12:44 +0000

Hi Idagreen, I think Risch just might run against Otter for the top job, depending on Otter’s performance. When Jim decided not to run this time he sat down with Otter, told him his decision and that the race was Otter’s to lose. I’m sure there was more than one occasion during the campaign Risch felt his prognostication was hitting too close to home and wished that he’d made a different choice.

But defeating an incumbent in a primary is a tough row to hoe and while Risch’s ambition may at times overpower his better judgment, everyone will agree the man ain’t stupid. You are definitely right that Risch got that political capital for a reason and I’m just as curious as you how he’ll spend it. I’ll be shocked if he takes it to Washington however.

As for District 2, hard to say. For the Ds Jim Hansen could build on the groundwork he’s laid. Also Clint Stennett is talked about but carries the baggage of where he’s from. The Rs in District 2 would probably look to legislative leaders again, like Bart Davis, Bob Geddes, or dragging Bruce Newcomb out of retirement. I doubt that an Ada County moderate would try for it but Debbie Field would have a good shot.

District 1 is far more interesting. I’d look for another primary battle there between the moderates and the wingnuts. My pick there is Brad Little. I’m very much looking forward to the primary between Vasquez and Craig for the same reasons you are. I’m thinking May 2008 might be more exciting than the general as it often is in this state.

By: steve

steve — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 01:32:56 +0000

Another short fellow with an inferiority complex.
“I’m King for a Day”!
“I’m King”!
“I’m du Man”!

By: chet parker

chet parker — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 22:10:33 +0000

It would be interesting to know how many thousands of those Idaho Corps of Discovery Passports with Dirk’s picture, were destroyed because Jimmy ordered new ones printed with his photo, even though the program expires in December. Talk about wise use of the taxpayers dollar!

By: doris

doris — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 02:25:05 +0000

You know…as much as I appreciate the State of Idaho being rid of many Kempthorne’s mug…this is nothing more than Risch’s ego…I am curious to what taxpayers dollars were used for the “salaries” for these State paper-doll clippers? Surely..there was more pressing State business to take care of..and if not…THERE SHOULD BE!

By: Stephen

Stephen — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 01:13:18 +0000

I was told the clipping was the second choice for the Capitol Building tour guides. Risch wanted an entirely new batch printed for the six months he was in office, but the money and time wasn’t there to get the job done. He did, however, manage to send out a portrait of himself to all state agencies within days of his move to Governor with the request that Dirk’s photo be replaced with his on all offices walls ASAP.

By: Joe Moran

Joe Moran — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 20:28:58 +0000

Considering that Dirk’s strong point was his photo-ops I’d say this is definetly a slap in the face to the former gov’s photogenic ,egomaniacal, do nothing for the People style of government!

I don’t think I’ll ever forget that headline pic where thorny is ridin a lawn-mower on the capitol grounds with his knees at 180 degree angles as they stick out from his $2000 dollar( tax-payer financed) camel-hair overcoat. I ‘m a guessin’ he just wanted to show those lowly state workers what a great guy he was.

Remember that ” trimed down cowboy hat” that LBJ used to wear? well as dirk’s hairline receeded ( or was his head just gettin’ bigger) he tried that LBJ look as he toured his new governor’s digs ( he always wanted a real castle!) It kind of gave him that Elmer Fudd finesse that important politicos like to avoid ( Bush has combined that chic with a type of idiot’s sneer that you got to admit will at least keep you laughing!)
Anyway, whoever cut that hirsute, sneering macho face from our beautiful states tour guides probably didn’t want to let folks know how bad it can get now that he’s posin’ with the beltway crowd…

By: idagreen

idagreen — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 17:10:22 +0000

So, Sisyphus, you think he will run against Otter in the next go ’round, or later down the road? He definitely hasn’t been sitting around eating bonbons. I’m just speculating what he will do with all that political capital.

You’re right that he didn’t campaign directly for Lt. Gov., but was making the most a bully pulpit and attendant media attention doesn’t hurt. Didn’t know he had a DC aversion. I know I’d rather be in Idaho any day.

Look deeper into your crystal ball Sis, and tell me who will run in the 2nd district to replace Simpson. Perhaps one of the recently unemployed Ada county Republican legislators?

As for Craig, even if he does run, I can’t see Vasquez playing nice. I don’t think that story is over quite yet.

Happy Thanksgiving to all. I’m grateful for all who participate in the discussion here, and for the Guardian for giving us a forum to do so.

By: Sisyphus

Sisyphus — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 14:55:23 +0000

Not bloody likely, Idagreen. You couldn’t pay Jim to go to Washington, unless he was running to occupy the White House. He’ll be waiting for his old job back and will advertise to all that he is the once and future Governor. And I didn’t notice Risch spending any money campaigning and rarely saw even a yard sign. But he did get lots of media attention for official acts while Governor.

Also I’ll be shocked if Craig cashes out but he might with all the efforts to out him this time. If you’re right I agree it may be a nasty crowded primary. But Risch won’t be part of it. More likely Simpson.

By: bikeboy

bikeboy — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 13:18:09 +0000

I stopped at the Commerce Dept. (“hall of mirrors”) a few weeks back and picked up a couple highway maps. I complained to the lady that they still had Dirk’s photo. She apologetically said they only get printed once a year. (So… will next year’s have Jimmy’s photo, or Butch’s?)

I’ll have to go with the Guardian’s “Dirk groupie” theory. Ask ANY woman in Idaho or any other state – Hollywood Dirk is the dreamiest governor ever!!!