Boise council candidate gets another key Democratic endorsement
The 2009 city elections are two months away (the filing deadline was Friday, and in case you missed it last weekend, here's the rundown of who's running.)
So the focus on this blog will turn to municipal races. I'll try to post news as it comes in, and insights from our candidate interviews and endorsement process.
Boise City Council candidate TJ Thomson has secured another big-name Democratic endorsement, from 1st Congressional District Rep. Walt Minnick.
Here's the statement from Minnick:
"It is my pleasure to endorse my friend TJ Thomson in his race for the Boise City Council. He and I share a desire to pay for what we spend, keep government small and spend every nickel of taxpayer dollars in the most effective way. We also share a love of the Idaho way of life, and the desire to keep Boise a great place to live, work, start a business, and raise a family. TJ will be an outstanding public servant, and I look forward to his service on the Boise City Council."
Thomson has also secured endorsements from former Gov. Cecil Andrus, 21 past or current Democratic legislators, and Mayor Dave Bieter. Thomson also has the backing of four current City Council members, including Vern Bisterfeldt, a Republican.
The spate of endorsements illustrate that Thomson — a former Idaho organizer for the Barack Obama presidential campaign — has put together a well-orchestrated council campaign. But even though Minnick has rankled some Democrats with his conservative, Blue Dog voting pattern, this remains a pretty partisan slate of endorsements in a nonpartisan campaign. I'll be interested to see if there is any voter backlash.
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Not partisan, just qualified
TJ Thomson earned my support for Boise City Council because he has demonstrated a commitment to the City of Boise and is qualified for the job. This isn't about party identification. This is about electing the best person to do the job. If a known Republican were running for a city council seat and could demonstrate the same level commitment and qualifications, then yes, I'd seriously consider supporting them. TJ has made it clear that running for city council isn't something he is doing so on a whim. By actively campaigning the entire summer, he is demonstrating the sort resolve and commitment to the position that we could only hope for from more elected officials. FYI - I am also endorsing Vern Bisterfeldt, a Republican. There is nothing partisan about this.
Rep. Branden Durst
District 18, House Seat A
idaho18.blogspot.com
TJ Thomson's endorsements
I really appreciate Rep. Durst's comments about TJ and the endorsements he has received from Democrats and Republicans alike. Were I solely a reader of The Idaho Statesman, I probably would have a favorable impression of TJ, since he comes across as a young activist (but hardly inexperienced) who advocates sound fiscal policy AND progressive social policies. He is a good administrator, supports a healthy fire and police force, and would work well with existing Council members.
I am pleased to count TJ Thomson as one of my friends, even though I live in Meridian and cannot vote for him. I can only hope that others in his mold can be elected to the City Council of Meridian. One such candidate is James Holtzclaw--we'll hear more from him, I'm sure.
Bill Bonner
Don't buy the non-partisan nonsense
TJ Thomson is as partisan as there is in Idaho. Simply pointing to Vern Bisterfeldt as the shining example of a Republican supporting a non-partisan candidate is pure folly. Bisterfeldt has long ago even given up the pretense of being a partisan Republican. In the 2008 election the Honorable Republican Vern Bisterfeldt supported MOST of the Democrats on the ballot including Mr. Durst. So much for being a loyal Republican.
Wny follow blindly?
Isn't that what is wrong (at least in part) with our political system? Saying that just because Vern Bisterfeldt doesn't blindly line up behind the Republican makes him somehow less Republican is destructive and dangerous. If everyone in Idaho could take a cue from the likes of Vern Bisterfeldt and recognize that blind partisanship is the really folly, we could get a lot more done and could be a little less divisive in the process. I believe in supporting the person, not the party, and thats why I and many others are supporting TJ, Maryanne, and Vern.
Regards,
Rep. Branden Durst
BrandonDurst Whines about party loyalty???
Then does exactly as he complains about. Does the term hypocrisy come to mind? I doubt if even Vern Blisterfeld would call himself a Republican now after he supported EVERY single Democrat in the last election, yet Durst points to him as the reason Durst is a Beacon of non-partisanship. Give me a break! Brandon Durst blindly lines up and supports every Democrat that comes down the pike. So don't talk about blind loyalty Mr. Durst, you are always at the front of the line patting your fellow Democrat on the back as your are reaching in my pocket to get more of my money to support YOUR favorite causes.
Why follow blindly?
Isn't that what is wrong (at least in part) with our political system? Saying that just because Vern Bisterfeldt doesn't blindly line up behind the Republican makes him somehow less Republican is destructive and dangerous. If everyone in Idaho could take a cue from the likes of Vern Bisterfeldt and recognize that blind partisanship is the really folly, we could get a lot more done and could be a little less divisive in the process. I believe in supporting the person, not the party, and thats why I and many others are supporting TJ, Maryanne, and Vern.
Regards,
Rep. Branden Durst
I did that for Mayor Dominick and HE may be the clinker...
not necessarily the others that urged us to vote in as a group.
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There is no life in Idaho...it is a mirror site on god's server. You were dreaming but it is over. Go to your residence and await our commands and THEN we will restore control...
Blinded by the light
Just wondering if you read Thomas Friedman's column in the NYT yesterday extolling the virtues of a one-party autocracy run by elite experts? It's working extremely well in China he says, and it is probably the best way to rid this nation of those obstructive Republicans who are standing in the way of progress. Never mind that Democrats control the House, the Senate, and the White House, they have been made weak and ineffectual (I think he means made to look stupid) by Republicans.
I immediately recalled your little tirade when I read Friedman's column, seeing how frustrated you are with all that blind partisanship preventing you from getting anything done. It's good that you have risen above partisanship and embraced a former Republican who has found the light which you walk by, but try not to adulate about yourself so much. It makes you sound conceited. Above all don't let those partisan frustrations drive you over the edge as seems to have happened to Mr. Friedman. This is the same Mr. Friedman who six years ago believed the entire Middle East would be democratized thanks to the removal of Saddam Hussein. Now he's decided that democracy itself is an antiquated concept, that only an advanced stage of tyranny can get us to where we need to be. Sorry, Branden, but Progressives are sounding less progressive everyday. Please, get an eye check up!
Is that why they die in droves in China?
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There is no life in Idaho...it is a mirror site on god's server. You were dreaming but it is over. Go to your residence and await our commands and THEN we will restore control...
Not socialism or communism...it's the kung pao chicken.
They know how to do chicken right.
Alas, it's only an occasional treat as I have diabetes.
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There is no life in Idaho...it is a mirror site on god's server. You were dreaming but it is over. Go to your residence and await our commands and THEN we will restore control...
DAMN...I bet pad thai is off the menu too then...
Especially when paired with a Singha, I feel for you...
Well, anyhow, BD, good luck with all that.
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There is no life in Idaho...it is a mirror site on god's server. You were dreaming but it is over. Go to your residence and await our commands and THEN we will restore control...