This week in Idaho Politics...

Larry LaRocco it’s time to throw in the towel and here are a few reasons why…

Your constintancy is unimpressed by your attempt to settle the score with Jim Risch. He lost the 2006 bid for lieutenant governor against Risch by 19 percentage points and is now running against him in the US Senate race.

Your own polling shows you down 48% to 23%

Your favorable to unfavorable polling…

Idaho is one of the few states that allows for same day registration. Recent research shows that these states see between 10 and 12 percent increase in voters.

"The Democrats did this so that I would have to make a choice between farmers and the middle class. I will not support any bill that forces me to make a choice between American farmers and American manufacturers,"said Congressmen Bill Sali. Democrats added a $4 billion tax increase to the congressional farm bill which would tax foreign manufactors to support federal food stamps.

The UK Times claims “black voters are changing the electorate map” saying states like Idaho are now off the map. The report comes as speculation continues on Obama’s campaign choice to spend money in states they feel they can win. There also has not been a national Democrat leader from the state in over 30 years.

Fiscally frugal...

With the advent of major media marketing for political candidates the importance of huge fundraising efforts become imperative. The problem for many Representatives this year stems from the bowels of Wall Street. The American people are becoming increasingly more frugal.

Rep. Bill Sali’s throw back to simple, grass-roots technique that church groups and youth sports teams is refreshing. There’s a clever campaign strategist who even had Sali host a yard sale!

The effort was met with such excitement they are urging all of his supporters to host years sales with all of the profits supporting his campaign. These events are not just a time to raise a little change but are seen as prime face time with voters and allows for them to receive more information about his platform.

"Some people who are calling our campaign have never been involved in a campaign before," spokesman Noah Wall tells HOH. "They're looking for ways to help Bill, and a yard sale is a neat way for them to get involved."

And the state goes to...

In the heart of country sits a highly conservative population who prides themselves on spuds. Idaho, traditionally a red state has been a no brainer for the GOP during the last four cycles. All trends continue to align the state as safe for the GOP and I agree.

All 435 seats in the House are up for reelection in November. Determined not to be embarrassed again, the GOP is feverishly attempting to insure incumbent Congressional positions. Both Representatives are Republicans.

“Wide Stance” -- The Craig effect

One of the biggest scandals of 2007, forever changed bathroom stall etiquette. Sen. Larry Craig (R) was arrested at the Minneapolis- St. Paul International airport on homosexual lewd conduct. Craig announced his intention of staying in office even after pleading guilty to misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge. His seat, one of 20 GOP vacancies, could potentially swing Congress further into the “blue.”

Current polling shows the Republican Risch leading comfortably over LaRocca in the battle for Craig’s seat.

Welcome

Welcome to the state of Idaho's page for the Southern Methodist Election Project. The Corporate Communication and Public Affairs department's Political Communications class will be charting all 50 states in the Union during the 2008 Election Season.