The Nevada Democratic caucus Jan. 19 was supposed to be the place that western issues made their way into the presidential campaign.
But with candidates now engaged in a national campaign, its doubtful regional issues will get much attention.
In the Nevada debate last year there was little discussion of issues like energy development, water and public lands. The big news this week was that the 460,000-member casino workers union backed Barack Obama.
But one issue big public land issue has come up, mining. Obama said in November that he opposed the mining reform bill sponsored by West Virginia Democrat Rep. Nick Rahall. Hillary Clinton has refused to say what her position is and John Edwards has said Rahall’s royalty is too high and he would seek a compromise.
But Obama’s firm stand against Rahall’s bill, which would and require hard-rock mining companies to pay royalties on federal lands, places him in opposition to every major environmental group in the country. And it has brought him criticism because his Nevada campaign adviser, Billy Vassiliadis, is a lobbyist for the mining industry.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, the son of a Nevada miner, also opposes Rahall’s bill, which passed the House. Observers say if reform is to gain final passage, Rahall and Reid will have to cut a deal.
Obama has clearly lined himself up with Reid and that should help him attract mining votes in one of the few states where they are significant. Nevada has 12,700 miners in the state who get paid an average of $62,000 annually.
So far Obama’s opposition to one of the national environmental community’s major initiatives has not appeared to cut into his support. Boise Mayor David Bieter, who has publicly supported Rahall’s bill because of his concerns about the Atlanta Gold Mine upriver from Boise, endorsed Obama this week so it obviously wasn’t a major factor with him.
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I am pleased that maybe for once we can have a Democratic candidate that is moderate on the issues, has crossover appeal to independents, and some Republicans, and can rise above the special interests. You know, someone like Cecil Andrus, who did not adhere to liberal orthodoxy or buy into every issue or cause of the environmental groups. So in this regard Obama's opposition to Rahall's legislation is probably a good thing. Some of the environmentalists will have their feelings hurt but it puts Obama closer towards the political mainstream and in a position to shape a compromise on mining law.
Excellent point!
Cecil Andrus is a leader, not a politician.
Big difference.
Obama has good reasons
The following is an excerpt of a letter from Idaho State Representative Wendy Jaquet that recently appeared in the Idaho Mountain Express. It addresses this issue.
Full letter: http://www.mtexpress.com/index2.php?ID=2005118358
"Sen. Obama supports reforming the outdated 1872 Mining Law, but opposes specific details in recent reform attempts. Sen. Obama believes that the recent House bill raised royalty rates too high and too soon. Commonsense legislation will encourage mining companies to perform the best clean-ups, while also providing fair reclamation policies for mining-dependent communities like Elko, Winnemucca and Ely. Rewriting a Civil War-era law must be done carefully, balancing 21st century priorities with business realities.
The League of Conservation Voters gives Barack Obama the highest possible rating for a senator (100 percent). His pro-environmental voting record is unblemished. Obama made the correct, conservation-minded votes on issues ranging from his opposition to drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, to his rejection of insufficient, Republican-rigged environmental funding bills.
As a Democratic leader in Boise, I am confident in my support for Barack Obama and encourage Blaine County voters to join me in caucusing for the senator at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 5, 2008, at the Community Campus in Hailey.
Rep. Wendy Jaquet
Ketchum"
Aren't there...
any Democrats outside of Sun Valley?
Yes, there are many Democrats outside of Sun Valley
Yes, there are MANY democrats outside of Sun Valley.
The following is a list of non Sun Valley Democrats that have endorsed Senator Obama. And check the link at the end for a full list of Idaho Democrats.
* Boise City Mayor, Dave Bieter
* Jerry and Rickie Brady, 2002 & 2006 Democratic Gubernatorial Nominee - (view his Statement)
* Ada County Commissioner, Paul Woods
* State Senator, Mike Burkett (District 19, Boise)
* State Senator, Edgar J. Malepeai (District 30, Pocatello)
* Asst. Minority Leader, State Representative, George C. Sayler (District 4B, Coeur d'Alene)
* State Representative, Nicole LeFavour (District 19B, Boise)
* State Representative, Les Bock (District 16B, Boise)
* State Representative, James D. Ruchti (District 29B, Pocatello)
* Jim Hansen (Former State Representative, Executive Director - United Vision for Idaho)
* Gail Bray, (Idaho's National Committeewoman - Super Delegate, Former State Senator)
* Grant Burgoyne, (Idaho's National Committeeman - Super Delegate, Private Attorney)
* Steve Scanlin (Former State Representative, Private Attorney)
* Brian Cronin, Ada County Democrats Chair, 2004-2007
http://www.idaho-democrats.org/ht/d/Officials/officialLevel/2/officialOfficeLevel/2/officialElected/Y/pid/304528
Well, that's 14 or 15...
couple million to go. Get to work, it'll be easier here.
Join us, foreign...
your opinion of ex-Gov Cecil Andrus, which I share, means you may already be a Democrat. Or at least, you ought to be. Join us and get to work...if you want any kind of balance in State government.
I live in OREGON...
two miles from the border and within earshot of duck hunting on the river. I can't help you and I can't call my mom and dad toll free until I get to Fruitland.
I liked Denny Jones just as much, mind you. It's the person, not the party.
PS I am registered as I have been since my 18th birthday, have not changed my affiliation ever. Whatever it may be. Independent is a copout.
If you can't figure my feelings about government...
maybe I should change my name to 'Pat'.
PS Obama and Clinton should have a cage match...
BILL CLINTON : )