What does this mean to us if Republicans take control?

If re-elected Walt Minnick will be the least powerful congressman on Capitol Hill. He would be in the minority party and majority Republicans would have no use for him. He would not be needed by Democrat leadership to make a majority. As a so-called "Blue Dog" his politics are not in the Democrat mainstream and will be an annoyance to the liberal president and the liberal Democratic leadership. He would be a fringe backbencher that no one would listen to or work with. This half of Idaho would be virtually unrepresented.

Compare that to Raul Labrador in the majority party. He would be one of the few Republican Hispanics in Congress outside of Florida, in a party desperately seeking to attract Hispanic voters. His occupation and ethnicity makes him an ideal spokesman for the party on one of the hottest issues in America — immigration. He would be a conservative in a much more conservative Republican caucus. In a large freshman class (like 1994) there will be significant opportunities for leadership and committee seats. After the 1994 sweep, freshmen were even given coveted spots on Rules and Appropriations committees. Idaho would be powerfully represented.

The fiscally conservative wing of the party would be able to make good its promises on spending. There is no reason to believe someone like Raul Labrador won’t be the same voice in D.C. that he was in Boise — no more taxes, cut spending. No compromises on principles Idahoans value.