Interesting research on the blogosphere: IdaBlue has listed Idaho politicians' contributions to the Idaho Values Alliance in 2006.

The list includes some of Idaho's most powerful politicians: Sen. Jim Risch, Gov. Butch Otter, House Speaker Lawerence Denney and House Majority Leader Mike Moyle. The list also includes several prominent local senators: Curt McKenzie, R-Nampa; John McGee, R-Caldwell; and Russell Fulcher, R-Meridian.

What does it all mean? A little quick analysis:

• The alliance PAC was formed to campaign for the constitutional amendment on marriage. The political donors, all Republicans, included legislators who voted for the amendment during the 2006 session.

Considering the alliance PAC's purpose, I don't see any surprise names on the donor list.

• Most, but not all, of the contributions came not from the candidates directly, but from their own campaign committee. This is not that uncommon a practice. When a candidate is unopposed — or faces only token opposition — it's fairly common for the candidate to donate campaign dollars to political allies.

It's one of those ways that a politician can expand his or her sphere of influence.

• Siding the Idaho Values Alliance on the marriage amendment doesn't necessarily equate wholesale support for all of the group's policies.

But when a politician contributes money to a PAC, that comes with a certain indelible stamp of approval. Some of the state's big-name politicians have their names attached to the Idaho Values Alliance. This may win them some favor with social conservatives, but it may also raise some eyebrows among independent and moderate voters.

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