Balukoff fights relentlessly against Otter in final weeks until election
Idaho hasn’t seen a democratic governor since Cecil Andrus’ election in 1987. However, it appears this year’s Nov. 4 general election could put an end to the red-streak that’s gripped the state for the past 27 years.
Running on the republican side is incumbent Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter, who has been in office since 2007 — followed by a short term by current U.S. Senator Jim Risch. On the other end of the race is governor hopeful A.J. Balukoff, who is waging a fierce war against the incumbent governor.
Despite Idaho’s rock-hard right wing voting record, Otter is in a position where he could easily be ousted. The far right side of the Republican Party is upset because they believe Otter didn’t fight enough against Obamacare expansion in Idaho — although he’s still unlikely to lose that vote due to a lack of other viable Republican candidates. Where he really has the potential to lose is with the votes of informed, moderate Republicans.
One large reason Otter could lose the moderate republican vote is because of his recent moves on the legalization of same-sex marriage in Idaho. He’s fought tooth-and-nail to prevent this from becoming a reality, and he’s put forth taxpayer money to do so. In February, Otter requested $1 million of goverment funding to fight against same-sex marriage legalization, a request that was approved by the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee. The move struck a nerve with fiscally conservative republicans and libertarians across the state.
Many republicans are also perplexed and frustrated by his inability to take action on many issues other than this one, which quickly rose to be a top priority.
Education is another hot issue working against Otter. In contrast, Balukoff has made that his top priority. Many schools across Idaho, particularly in rural areas have switched to four-day school weeks due to a lack of educational funds and resources.
Balukoff’s website states that one of his top priorities is “investing in our future by restoring education investment and implementing recommendations of the Task Force for Improving Education.” According to Education Week’s Quality Counts 2013 report card, Idaho’s educational system ranks at a C- and placed near the bottom of the 50 states. Schools in Idaho certainly need a push and many Idahoans are coming to recognize this.
The economy is another driving factor in this close race. According to NPR, Idaho currently leads the nation in minimum wage jobs, and most job growth is happening in lower-paid sectors. Balukoff has stated that he wants to push the economy by investing in education and helping Idaho businesses grow. According to his website, Otter is committed to “maintaining a jobs-friendly tax climate for small companies exporting to Idaho”.
What really makes this race difficult for Balukoff is the fact he’s running as a democrat, which ensures an uphill battle in Idaho no matter what. The primary thing to consider regardless of political affiliation is the fact that Balukoff is incredibly moderate by all measures of the world. He’s one of the most conservative democrats in the political arena today, and he’s openly critical of things like the Affordable Care Act, legalization of recreational marijuana and other issues that more liberal democrats hold close to their hearts.
This race for Idaho governorship will be incredibly close no matter what, but this could be the first time that the political scene in Idaho has shifted in decades. Otter may stay safe because of his party affiliation, but all eyes are on this election and the outcome could be surprising.
Masen Matthews can be reached at [email protected]