Recently, a letter from the former chair of the Blaine County Democrat Central Committee was published by the Mountain Express that accused Jim Donoval, Republican candidate for the Idaho Senate, of slinging mud in his campaign advertisements. Nothing could be further from the truth.
In the lead paragraph of his ad, Jim Donoval said, "Senator Clint Stennett deserves to enjoy his day as the Grand Marshall of the Wagon Days Parade. So out of respect for his years of service, and to avoid any chance of making anyone uncomfortable, I will not participate in this year's Wagon Days Parade." Is that mud slinging? Seems pretty gracious to me.
He went on to say in the same ad that "we need to resolve too many local issues that have been lingering too long." Is that mud-slinging? Or a statement we can all support?
Donoval then asserts that "Clint's wife, Michelle, simply does not have the governmental experience, the business background or the aggressive voice that is needed to help us take on and solve these lingering problems and important issues." Is that mud-slinging? Seems to me that Donoval has found the hot buttons that triggered the Blaine County Democrats' response. And by the way, as a candidate, he does have a right to express his opinion.
As to the Democrats' assertions that a member of the so called "party of no" cannot represent Blaine County, we should all recognize that it is the "party of know" that has demonstrated fiscal responsibility and real leadership in education, and has dared to suggest that the health bill and the so-called stimulus packages are government-sponsored transfer-of-wealth programs.
Finally, since when have we used time having lived in the county as a litmus test for one's ability to govern effectively? Let's forget that and welcome all who come here to make this a better place to live and work, including former Arizonans.
Maurice M. Charlat
Former chair
Blaine County Republican Central Committee
Ketchum
