I have a post below showing documents from Bill Sali's personal injury lawsuit. I started it a few days ago, so it is placed in chronological order based on when it was started rather than when finished. Scroll down a few posts and you'll see it. I think it pretty well details how Sali tried to fake symptoms in order to exaggerate damages for his lawsuit, but he botched the deception.
Click on the images to enlarge them.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Potpourri
I thought her first name was Shirley. Maybe this is a political comment by the gas station owner.
McMansion? No, a starter castle, being built on the fringe of Kuna city limits.
My jack-o-lantern tonight.
Gubernatorial Debate
It was easy to see why Butch Otter preferred the KTVB debate format and ducked the IPTV debate. The KTVB photo op was not a debate. It was a farce.
The debate allowed no follow up questions, and did not allow the candidates to ask each other questions. Since all four candidates answered each question, the questions were general and did not focus on a particular candidate’s positions, and thus were unenlightening. They may as well have just published the questions and answers the paper.
I’m all for allowing people other than just the two main parties to be heard, but in the only statewide debate the criteria need to be stricter. Neither Dunlop or Pro-Life are serious contenders, and allowing them to appear on the stage just cut in half the time we could hear the legitimate candidates.
Still, Pro-Life was entertaining. His method to stay in touch with Idaho voters; “I’d take a bum to lunch.” In response to a question about health care, he said we’re all going to hell. He hates government and thinks it shouldn’t have anything to do with education; that is up to the churches. He was okay with having government go after people who get abortions, and after illegal aliens
And BTW, don't you just love the word gubernatorial. Having to do with goobers. There were definitely two goobers in the debate.
The debate allowed no follow up questions, and did not allow the candidates to ask each other questions. Since all four candidates answered each question, the questions were general and did not focus on a particular candidate’s positions, and thus were unenlightening. They may as well have just published the questions and answers the paper.
I’m all for allowing people other than just the two main parties to be heard, but in the only statewide debate the criteria need to be stricter. Neither Dunlop or Pro-Life are serious contenders, and allowing them to appear on the stage just cut in half the time we could hear the legitimate candidates.
Still, Pro-Life was entertaining. His method to stay in touch with Idaho voters; “I’d take a bum to lunch.” In response to a question about health care, he said we’re all going to hell. He hates government and thinks it shouldn’t have anything to do with education; that is up to the churches. He was okay with having government go after people who get abortions, and after illegal aliens
And BTW, don't you just love the word gubernatorial. Having to do with goobers. There were definitely two goobers in the debate.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Biased Secretary of State
Hopefully the next election cycle the Dems can field a competitive candidate for Idaho Secretary of State. Our current one, Ben Ysursa, is biased in favor of his party and is improperly helping it. I can understand bias, but not lying to voters.
The Sec of State's web site lists this mission statement:
An example of Ysursa's bias can clearly be seen in the wording of the Advisory vote, which reads
Our mission is to serve the citizens and business community of Idaho by overseeing the election process, facilitating business activity, and providing timely and accurate information.
Should the State of Idaho keep the property tax relief adopted in August 2006, reducing property taxes by approximately $260 milion and protecting funding for public schools by keeping the sales tax at 6%?Let's unpack this a bit. First, the phrase "protecting funding for public schools" is an egregious example of sloganeering. Whether the funding was "protected" is disputed, since funding based on sales tax is variable and will fluctuate. This is just promoting Risch's talking point.
The worst part is the outright lie "keeping the sales tax at 6%". The bill raised the sales tax one percent. I don't think the Sec of State ought to place misleading and downright false info on the ballot, especially since his mission is to provide accurate information. How about this wording?
Do you approve of the law that removed school funding from property taxes and replaced it with a one percent increase in the sales tax?
Update: See comments. The language was mandated by the legislature, and it's not clear to me whether Ysursa could do anything about it.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Missing Soldier
US forces are searching for a soldier of Iraqi descent who has been kidnaped in Baghdad. The New York Times said the soldier was working as a translator. Apparently the soldier went to visit Iraqi relatives and got snatched. CNN reports that the soldier was not authorized to leave for the visit.
It looks like the guy sneaked off, probably figuring he could pass as a local. Soldiers are not allowed to go off base alone. Our unit had a minimum requirement of three vehicles and at least nine soldiers, three of whom had to man the automatic weapons mounted on the vehicles. We did have one kid sneak off a tiny FOB in Kirkuk, but the Iraqi police caught him. He had been looking for a bar and stood out, even in his civvies.
I agree with the policy in many areas, but in some areas soldiers could safely mingle with Iraqis. We were also forbidden from buying anything off the Iraqi economy. I think had we been able to more freely mingle, and to spend money, it would have improved relations between us and the locals. A risk, but sometimes an acceptable one for the benefit of improving relations and possibly getting information.
It looks like the guy sneaked off, probably figuring he could pass as a local. Soldiers are not allowed to go off base alone. Our unit had a minimum requirement of three vehicles and at least nine soldiers, three of whom had to man the automatic weapons mounted on the vehicles. We did have one kid sneak off a tiny FOB in Kirkuk, but the Iraqi police caught him. He had been looking for a bar and stood out, even in his civvies.
I agree with the policy in many areas, but in some areas soldiers could safely mingle with Iraqis. We were also forbidden from buying anything off the Iraqi economy. I think had we been able to more freely mingle, and to spend money, it would have improved relations between us and the locals. A risk, but sometimes an acceptable one for the benefit of improving relations and possibly getting information.
Sali's Lawsuit (Long post)
In May, 1998, Bill Sali was in an auto accident and subsequently sued for damages. I post below excerpts from various documents filed in that lawsuit. Most, if not all, of this info was reported by Dan Popkey in 2000, and led to the infamous Sali statements about having “brain fade” and "Much of the time in the legislature critical thinking skills are not necessarily needed.”
I have been sitting on these documents since June, wondering whether I should publish them. However, Sali recently brushed off a Grant request to correct a misleading statement and Sali replied that "politics is a contact sport". So, some highlights from the court file.
Sali, who was wearing a seatbelt, was driving about 35-40 mph in his Toyota Cressida and t-boned another vehicle. He described the accident here in a document prepared and signed by him.
Note the fractured syntax and grammar where he writes “When I looked back ahead, [back ahead?] the Defendant’s did not yield from her stop sign...” He made “Defendant’s” possessive, and if it was supposed to be plural, he has a tense error with the singular pronoun “her.” No wonder it took him “30 drafts to find acceptable language” for his parental consent abortion law, “delaying action from 1999 to 2000. (Popkey Article)
Is this the guy we want for our Representative? He’s either sloppy or poorly educated, and incredibly inefficient; 30 drafts to write bill that was later overturned in the courts.
In his answer to Interrogatory No. 12, Sali wrote "the impact threw Plaintiff [Sali] forward and Plaintiff hit his head on the molding at the top of the windshield. Dr. Tobe at St. Alphonsus Emergency Room on the day of the accident diagnosed "Acute Closed Head Injury" Dr. Jutzy's diagnosis was a "concussion" on follow up 4 days later." This is either a run on sentence or Sali omitted a period after "Injury". More sloppiness.
A physician who later examined Sali provided more detail. Apparently Sali went to church and then home after the accident rather than straight to the emergency room.
Sali alleged various injuries from the accident in addition to the closed head injury, which is another way of saying brain damage. Sali said that he suffered low back and left leg pain, weakness and loss of coordination of his left arm and leg, and more. He reported to his doctor in June 1999 that he experienced stuttering, poor sleep, difficulty concentrating, and slow thought processes. He said he felt like there was a tight band around his brain, and as if his face was sagging. The doctor considered psychomototor retardation and reactive depression. The doc also wrote that Sali had been making some progress in therapy, but "His therapist notes some inconsistencies in his lower limb weakness...". Sali tried various modalities, including Paxil, Zoloft, Acupuncture, and Ritalin.
As more doctors examined Sali, they learned more and doubts began to emerge. It appeared that Sali was exaggerating in an effort to pump up damages.
Intermittant stuttering. Good short and long term memory.
Pain with virtually any movement, but normal motor testing. Weak (2/5 power) in foot and toe, but full strength walking. In other words, faking it.
Examination grossly exaggerated and inconsistant. Unable to move a muscle group but later able to move it fully.
Even though he alleged leg pain caused by the accident, Sali had been seeing docs for similar symptoms. A chiropractor over 100 times, and another doc around 80 times.
Sali's doc refused to give Sali a handicapped sticker and discharged Sali as patient. The doc said he was concerned about being "used" for "secondary gain purposes", i.e., to pump up damages.
Sali's doc summed it up thus: "inability to perform certain physical maneuvers while being obviously observed, but the patient was able to perform the same maneuvers freely when he though[t] he was not being observed."
I'm all for making your best case in a lawsuit. That's the point of the game. Lying about symptoms goes too far, however, especially when you're not smart enough or devious enough to be consistent. Don't take my word for it. A physical therapist, an MD and psychiatrist all concluded that Sali's complaints were inconsistent. Sali's own treating physician discharged Sali as a patient because the doc didn't want to "help this man build a large settlement case..".
I have been sitting on these documents since June, wondering whether I should publish them. However, Sali recently brushed off a Grant request to correct a misleading statement and Sali replied that "politics is a contact sport". So, some highlights from the court file.
Sali, who was wearing a seatbelt, was driving about 35-40 mph in his Toyota Cressida and t-boned another vehicle. He described the accident here in a document prepared and signed by him.
Note the fractured syntax and grammar where he writes “When I looked back ahead, [back ahead?] the Defendant’s did not yield from her stop sign...” He made “Defendant’s” possessive, and if it was supposed to be plural, he has a tense error with the singular pronoun “her.” No wonder it took him “30 drafts to find acceptable language” for his parental consent abortion law, “delaying action from 1999 to 2000. (Popkey Article)Is this the guy we want for our Representative? He’s either sloppy or poorly educated, and incredibly inefficient; 30 drafts to write bill that was later overturned in the courts.
In his answer to Interrogatory No. 12, Sali wrote "the impact threw Plaintiff [Sali] forward and Plaintiff hit his head on the molding at the top of the windshield. Dr. Tobe at St. Alphonsus Emergency Room on the day of the accident diagnosed "Acute Closed Head Injury" Dr. Jutzy's diagnosis was a "concussion" on follow up 4 days later." This is either a run on sentence or Sali omitted a period after "Injury". More sloppiness.
A physician who later examined Sali provided more detail. Apparently Sali went to church and then home after the accident rather than straight to the emergency room.
Sali alleged various injuries from the accident in addition to the closed head injury, which is another way of saying brain damage. Sali said that he suffered low back and left leg pain, weakness and loss of coordination of his left arm and leg, and more. He reported to his doctor in June 1999 that he experienced stuttering, poor sleep, difficulty concentrating, and slow thought processes. He said he felt like there was a tight band around his brain, and as if his face was sagging. The doctor considered psychomototor retardation and reactive depression. The doc also wrote that Sali had been making some progress in therapy, but "His therapist notes some inconsistencies in his lower limb weakness...". Sali tried various modalities, including Paxil, Zoloft, Acupuncture, and Ritalin.
As more doctors examined Sali, they learned more and doubts began to emerge. It appeared that Sali was exaggerating in an effort to pump up damages.
Intermittant stuttering. Good short and long term memory.
Pain with virtually any movement, but normal motor testing. Weak (2/5 power) in foot and toe, but full strength walking. In other words, faking it.
Examination grossly exaggerated and inconsistant. Unable to move a muscle group but later able to move it fully.
Even though he alleged leg pain caused by the accident, Sali had been seeing docs for similar symptoms. A chiropractor over 100 times, and another doc around 80 times.
Sali's doc refused to give Sali a handicapped sticker and discharged Sali as patient. The doc said he was concerned about being "used" for "secondary gain purposes", i.e., to pump up damages.
Sali's doc summed it up thus: "inability to perform certain physical maneuvers while being obviously observed, but the patient was able to perform the same maneuvers freely when he though[t] he was not being observed."
I'm all for making your best case in a lawsuit. That's the point of the game. Lying about symptoms goes too far, however, especially when you're not smart enough or devious enough to be consistent. Don't take my word for it. A physical therapist, an MD and psychiatrist all concluded that Sali's complaints were inconsistent. Sali's own treating physician discharged Sali as a patient because the doc didn't want to "help this man build a large settlement case..".
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Traveling
I attended the meetup to watch the Grant-Sali (et al) debate last night, sponsored by NewWest. About 16 folks showed up, several who live-blogged it. It was different, watching folks with laptops making comments to each other on a website, yet not talking to them even though the were right next to each other. I'll put up a photo when I get a chance.
That won't be for a day or two. I'm heading to eastern Idaho for a couple of days, so probably won't have great access to the web.
That won't be for a day or two. I'm heading to eastern Idaho for a couple of days, so probably won't have great access to the web.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Nuttiness
Wayne Derkotch pulled a gun at a youth football game. He was fighting with the football coach because the coach didn't give Wayne's son enough playing time. Wayne was losing the fight so he pulled the gun. Here's a picture of this genius.
From time to time gun advocates will offer the suggestion that we'd all be safer if everyone could pack a weapon. Guy breaks into a school intent on hurting kids, the teacher or principal offs him, everyone is happy.
Well, Wayne Derkotch is the reason why this is a stupid idea. Taking the gun to a football game, I would argue, is prima facie evidence of stupidity. However, pulling it out and threatening the coach is irrefutably stupid. Wayne did this and established himself as an intemperate and stupid man.
In the gun nut scenario, some other person would pull out a gun and one of two things would happen: Derkotch would back down, or someone would shoot him. Given that Derkotch is stupid and intemperate, it's doubtful that he'd back down. More likley he'd open fire. I suppose that scenario can only end up with someone getting shot because under the gun nut scenario lots of people would be packing.
Assuming that a bullet fired by some excitable person or persons might miss the target, or pass through it, there's a high likelyhood that some bystander, a young football player perhaps, would get shot.
This is Idaho; people like and are used to guns. I know many responsible gun owners and do not consider them gun nuts. However, I also unfortunately know a few bona fide gun nuts. They're the ones saying we'd all be safer if everyone was armed. One of the red bloggers I link to has suggested this in a post, so we know they're out there.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Grant Ad Quoting Republicans on Sali
Boy, have I been waiting and hoping for this ad, placed on Kos by mcjoan. Republicans talking about Sali. This one is definitely worth watching.
Otter the Flip-Flopper
(h/t to The Sniff Test for pointing to this.)
Butch vs. Otter
Proposition One
Butch: “The voters will get the final say. And as for me, I will vote for it.” [1]
Otter: Proposition One will be “doubling up” on school funding. [2] “I’m voting against it and I hope you will too.”[3]
Public Lands
Butch: Co-sponsored H.R. 3855 which would sell 5 million acres of Idaho public land. [4]
Otter: “I have been a strong advocate for greater access to our federal lands throughout my public life.” [5]
Immigration
Butch: “There should be second chances for citizenship, but there must be no shortcuts, program extension for illegal and NO AMNESTY!”[6]
Otter: Twice voted in favor of an amnesty immigrants. [7]
Term Limits
Butch: Voted for limiting term limits to 3 for state legislators.[9]
Otter: Otter said he opposes term limits.[8]
Smaller Government
Butch: Butch believes Congress has an obligation to taxpayers to be wise stewards of their money.[10]
Otter: In Congress, Congressman Otter has voted for $1.1 trillion in new spending.[11]
Medicare Part D
Butch: “I did not want to vote for this bill.”[12]
Otter: He voted for it. It was the biggest expansion of government spending in American History.[13]
Iraq War
Butch: Voted for the Iraq War Resolution.
Otter: Voted against spending the $87 billion to fight the war.[14]
Canned Hunts
Butch: Told the Elk Breeder’s Association that he would support their industry.
Otter: Told the Idaho Sportsmen’s caucus that he would support a ban on canned hunts.[15]
[1] Spokesman-Review, July 6th, 2006
[2] Coeur d’Alene Press, August 9th, 2006
[3] Lewis-Clark State College Gubernatorial Debate, Oct. 12, 2006
[4] Congressional Record, 105th session of Congress
[5] Idaho Statesman, January 6th, 2006
[6] Letter to his constituents entitled “Securing Our Nation”
[7] American for Better Immigration Report Card, click here
[8] Idaho Statesman, May 26, 1999
[9] Joint Resolution 3, as a state representative
[10] Congressman Otter’s Campaign website http://www.otter4idaho.com/issues_fiscalresp.php
[11] National Taxpayer’s Union website http://www.ntu.org/main/misc.php?MiscID=12
[12] AP Newswire, November 22, 2003
[13] Congressional Bill HR 4792
[14] Idaho Falls Post Register, by Corey Taule “Otter Pulls a Flip-Flop” September 23, 2005.
[15] Headwaters: Idaho Falls Press Tribune, by Corey Taule “Brady, Otter: ‘Shooter bull’ operations should be banned” September 22, 2006.
Butch vs. Otter
Proposition One
Butch: “The voters will get the final say. And as for me, I will vote for it.” [1]
Otter: Proposition One will be “doubling up” on school funding. [2] “I’m voting against it and I hope you will too.”[3]
Public Lands
Butch: Co-sponsored H.R. 3855 which would sell 5 million acres of Idaho public land. [4]
Otter: “I have been a strong advocate for greater access to our federal lands throughout my public life.” [5]
Immigration
Butch: “There should be second chances for citizenship, but there must be no shortcuts, program extension for illegal and NO AMNESTY!”[6]
Otter: Twice voted in favor of an amnesty immigrants. [7]
Term Limits
Butch: Voted for limiting term limits to 3 for state legislators.[9]
Otter: Otter said he opposes term limits.[8]
Smaller Government
Butch: Butch believes Congress has an obligation to taxpayers to be wise stewards of their money.[10]
Otter: In Congress, Congressman Otter has voted for $1.1 trillion in new spending.[11]
Medicare Part D
Butch: “I did not want to vote for this bill.”[12]
Otter: He voted for it. It was the biggest expansion of government spending in American History.[13]
Iraq War
Butch: Voted for the Iraq War Resolution.
Otter: Voted against spending the $87 billion to fight the war.[14]
Canned Hunts
Butch: Told the Elk Breeder’s Association that he would support their industry.
Otter: Told the Idaho Sportsmen’s caucus that he would support a ban on canned hunts.[15]
[1] Spokesman-Review, July 6th, 2006
[2] Coeur d’Alene Press, August 9th, 2006
[3] Lewis-Clark State College Gubernatorial Debate, Oct. 12, 2006
[4] Congressional Record, 105th session of Congress
[5] Idaho Statesman, January 6th, 2006
[6] Letter to his constituents entitled “Securing Our Nation”
[7] American for Better Immigration Report Card, click here
[8] Idaho Statesman, May 26, 1999
[9] Joint Resolution 3, as a state representative
[10] Congressman Otter’s Campaign website http://www.otter4idaho.com/issues_fiscalresp.php
[11] National Taxpayer’s Union website http://www.ntu.org/main/misc.php?MiscID=12
[12] AP Newswire, November 22, 2003
[13] Congressional Bill HR 4792
[14] Idaho Falls Post Register, by Corey Taule “Otter Pulls a Flip-Flop” September 23, 2005.
[15] Headwaters: Idaho Falls Press Tribune, by Corey Taule “Brady, Otter: ‘Shooter bull’ operations should be banned” September 22, 2006.
Statesman Endorses Grant
The Statesman endorses Grant, enthusiasticly.
The print version has more than the online version,and includes a few gems. They say Sali's "campaign hinges on two preposterous assertions," that Grant is a liberal and that Sali will be effective. It's preposterous that Grant is a liberal. It's preposterous that Sali will be effective. The Statesman also says "Sali rates a poor third to Grant and United party upstart Andy Heddon-Nicely."
The Statesmans says Sali comes across as muddled and indecisive. First Sali opposed the Boulder-White Clouds bill, now he says he doesn't know how he'll vote.
The front page of the Insight section really has all you need to know about Grant and Sali. The page features statements by both candidates. Grant talks about ending corruption, balancing the budget, and having a rational plan for Iraq. Sali just talks about Nancy Pelosi, John Murtha and Steny Hoyer.
Democrat Larry Grant would be that kind of congressman — the right choice for this district and for these times. Grant gets our enthusiastic endorsement in the Nov. 7 election.The editors say that Grant "shows a studied, nuanced command of the issues" such as immigration, Iraq and accountability.
The print version has more than the online version,and includes a few gems. They say Sali's "campaign hinges on two preposterous assertions," that Grant is a liberal and that Sali will be effective. It's preposterous that Grant is a liberal. It's preposterous that Sali will be effective. The Statesman also says "Sali rates a poor third to Grant and United party upstart Andy Heddon-Nicely."
The Statesmans says Sali comes across as muddled and indecisive. First Sali opposed the Boulder-White Clouds bill, now he says he doesn't know how he'll vote.
The front page of the Insight section really has all you need to know about Grant and Sali. The page features statements by both candidates. Grant talks about ending corruption, balancing the budget, and having a rational plan for Iraq. Sali just talks about Nancy Pelosi, John Murtha and Steny Hoyer.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Who Are We Talking About
Coppola has captured the total isolation of these insipid creatures who have been catapulted to the pinnacle of society merely by the luck of their birthright.
Oh yeah, the "doomed French queen Marie Antoinette."
Thursday, October 19, 2006
What Not To Do
This picture show soldiers detaining an Iraqi male, but it also shows a problem. Micheal Shaw comments on the photo, and wonders if we need fresh commanders.
Note that the male is blindfolded and the family is looking on. We were taught that it shames and dishonors an Iraqi to humiliate the male in front of others, especially in front of the family. Making the male powerless would be humiliating. Once dishonored, to regain the honor the Iraqi must take some action against the Americans. This usually takes the form of an attack.
It is a reason that so many Iraqis are willing to attack US forces. We keep making enemies. This results in a pool of young men that are willing to emplace an IED, or fire off a clip from an AK-47. The insurgents hire somone to go dig a hole, and someone else to emplace the explosive, and someone else to wire it, etc. A way to make a few bucks and to strike a blow to regain honor.
So, perhaps the training didn't filter down to these troops, or perhaps they're tired and don't care. Both things happened in my unit, and we had to continue to reinforce the training.
On in interesting side note, you might recall from early in the insurgency when a young Iraqi would pop up, unload a clip, firing wildly, mostly in the air, and then duck down. Many of us assumed this was just silly and undisciplined, and chalked it up to the idea that Iraqis are so fatalistic that if Allah wants the bullets to hit, he will make it happen and all they have to do is pull the trigger. I learned recently that sometimes this wild shooting was the Iraqi wanting to do something to regain honor, but not really wanting to hury anyone. So he might shoot some rounds in the general direction of Americans, but trying not to hit them.
Note that the male is blindfolded and the family is looking on. We were taught that it shames and dishonors an Iraqi to humiliate the male in front of others, especially in front of the family. Making the male powerless would be humiliating. Once dishonored, to regain the honor the Iraqi must take some action against the Americans. This usually takes the form of an attack.
It is a reason that so many Iraqis are willing to attack US forces. We keep making enemies. This results in a pool of young men that are willing to emplace an IED, or fire off a clip from an AK-47. The insurgents hire somone to go dig a hole, and someone else to emplace the explosive, and someone else to wire it, etc. A way to make a few bucks and to strike a blow to regain honor.
So, perhaps the training didn't filter down to these troops, or perhaps they're tired and don't care. Both things happened in my unit, and we had to continue to reinforce the training.
On in interesting side note, you might recall from early in the insurgency when a young Iraqi would pop up, unload a clip, firing wildly, mostly in the air, and then duck down. Many of us assumed this was just silly and undisciplined, and chalked it up to the idea that Iraqis are so fatalistic that if Allah wants the bullets to hit, he will make it happen and all they have to do is pull the trigger. I learned recently that sometimes this wild shooting was the Iraqi wanting to do something to regain honor, but not really wanting to hury anyone. So he might shoot some rounds in the general direction of Americans, but trying not to hit them.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Prop 1 Penny
Prop 1 wants us to vote to allow a one cent increase in the sales tax to go to support education. I support giving our kids a good education; I have two kids currently getting educated in Idaho.
What I'd like to see/hear is a response to the argument that the "earmark" won't make a difference. That is, if we earmark a certain amount of money for education, what will prevent the legislature from simply decreasing the general fund payments to schools by the same amount. The lottery was supposed to help schools, and money does go to schools from lottery income. I think that the legislature just lowered its suport by the amount the lottery contributed.
Does anyone have a response to this concern?
What I'd like to see/hear is a response to the argument that the "earmark" won't make a difference. That is, if we earmark a certain amount of money for education, what will prevent the legislature from simply decreasing the general fund payments to schools by the same amount. The lottery was supposed to help schools, and money does go to schools from lottery income. I think that the legislature just lowered its suport by the amount the lottery contributed.
Does anyone have a response to this concern?
Piling on
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports, or recycles
In the early 1980s, the House censured Rep. Dan Crane, R-Ill., and Rep. Gerry Studds, D-Mass., for having sexual relations with teenage pages."The lady doth protest too much, methinks." Shakespeare.
A third lawmaker, then-Rep. (now Sen.) Larry Craig, R-Idaho, called a press conference to deny any connection to the page scandal. Nobody had ever accused him of involvement. (Emphasis added)
Blogswarm on Craig
The Idaho progressive blogosphere is aswarm over the Larry Craig (purported) outing. I think this is going to be fascinating to watch.
Serephin has some fun links here on 43rd State Blues.
Chris at Liberal Idaho has a couple of full text press releases here. He also has some great links here. Nice reporting job.
Red State Rebels weighs in here.
More to come.
Serephin has some fun links here on 43rd State Blues.
Chris at Liberal Idaho has a couple of full text press releases here. He also has some great links here. Nice reporting job.
Red State Rebels weighs in here.
More to come.
Larry Craig - Gay?
"Idaho Sen. Larry Craig Denies Allegations of Same-Sex Affairs" reads the headline in a New West post by Jill Kuraitis. Such has long been the rumor. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Politics Is A Contact Sport
Randy Stapilus wrote
Thursday’s Nampa candidate forum saw Grant take after Sali for misstating his position on immigration, and ask him to correct it. Sali declined, with this quote: “politics is a contact sport.”Well, okay. From a Dan Popkey column published April 7, 2002, quoting from a deposition given under oath by Sali.
A Blooming of Reason
Conservative Andrew Sullivan writes
Glenn Reynolds, Instapundit, agrees.
All we can do is keep explaining why this administration represents an attack on conservatism, not its triumph. Then we have to trust Americans to use the powers the founders gave them and check this out-of-control administration by voting Democrat or abstaining this November.A person who adheres to traditionally conservative values would probably agree with this. A person who overidentifies with the Republican party and wants to maintain power at all costs will most likely reject this. This administration is not the apex of conservative values; just look at the deficit or the budget.
Glenn Reynolds, Instapundit, agrees.
As I've said before, the Republicans deserve to lose....And
Were GOP control of the Congress so important to the country, wouldn't the GOP leadership have exercised a trifle more self-discipline and self-denial? And if it's not capable of doing so, then what kind of leadership is it?
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Another Questionable Donation
I'm not sure that this donation violates the letter of the law, but it may violate the intent of it. Note the donations received by the Otter campaign dated August 30, 2006, both marked as being for the General election.
Now look at the corporate record for 13D research.
As you see, Kiril Sokoloff individually gave Otter $5,000 for the General election, and 13D also gave Otter $5,000 for the general. Since 13D is apparently a corporation of one person, Kiril Sokoloff, this is the same as Mr. Sokoloff giving $10,000, a violation of the law. I conclude it's a corporation of one person because the annual report lists only Mr. Sokoloff and no VP or Secretary. For the 2006 election cycle, 13D has given Otter $10,000, and Sokoloff has given $10,000.
Idaho Code Sec. 67-6610A provides
BTW, Mr. Sokoloff seems to take a keen interest in Idaho politics, and he's not just giving to Rs. Here (at page 7) is a donation to Dem Les Bock's campaign.
Now look at the corporate record for 13D research.
As you see, Kiril Sokoloff individually gave Otter $5,000 for the General election, and 13D also gave Otter $5,000 for the general. Since 13D is apparently a corporation of one person, Kiril Sokoloff, this is the same as Mr. Sokoloff giving $10,000, a violation of the law. I conclude it's a corporation of one person because the annual report lists only Mr. Sokoloff and no VP or Secretary. For the 2006 election cycle, 13D has given Otter $10,000, and Sokoloff has given $10,000.
Idaho Code Sec. 67-6610A provides
Aggregate contributions for a primary election or a general election by a corporation, political committee, other recognized legal entity or an individual, other than the candidate, to a candidate for statewide office and political committees organized on the candidate’s behalf shall be limited to an amount not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) for the primary election and an amount not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) for the general election.(Emphasis added)I suppose technically this doesn't violate the law, but if not this is a huge loophole. A person could basically donate unlimited amounts to a campaign by using corporations or a "recognized legal entity", i.e., partnership, to make the donations.
BTW, Mr. Sokoloff seems to take a keen interest in Idaho politics, and he's not just giving to Rs. Here (at page 7) is a donation to Dem Les Bock's campaign.
Friday, October 13, 2006
A True Gun Nut
Per the Statesman via the Associated Press, former Idaho Falls Prosecutor Kimball Mason struck a plea bargain deal earlier this year, stemming from charges that he stole guns from the police evidence locker in Idaho Falls. Apparently the plea bargain required him to cooperate with investigators to locate all the missing guns. It seems that he lied and tried to hang on to some of the stolen guns. 40 of the stolen guns turned up in a recent search of Mason's home.
This guy has a gun addiction.
This guy has a gun addiction.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Cramer vs Cramer
Cramer asks here why Dems tolerate Michael Moore, why they don't "run like hell from this creep--instead of embracing him." Chris at Liberal Idaho has a pretty pointed reply to Cramer's overall post.
I'm not sure upon what Cramer bases his conclusion that Moore wanted Saddam to stay in power; Cramer doesn't say in his post. However, if odious politics is the standard, then why don't the R's run away from Ann "9/11 widows are happy their husbands died" Coulter, or Denny "I ignored Foley's predations in order to preserve our R majority" Hastert?
I'm not sure upon what Cramer bases his conclusion that Moore wanted Saddam to stay in power; Cramer doesn't say in his post. However, if odious politics is the standard, then why don't the R's run away from Ann "9/11 widows are happy their husbands died" Coulter, or Denny "I ignored Foley's predations in order to preserve our R majority" Hastert?
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Kos Front Page Story on Larry Grant
Can be seen here, discussing the Spokesman-Review's endorsement of Grant.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Vasquez Calls Sali a Liar
Betsy Russell wrote in Eye on Boise about a recent news article.
Today, in the Idaho Press-Tribune in Nampa, second-place finisher Robert Vasquez, a Canyon County commissioner, said he’d never vote for GOP primary victor Bill Sali because, “I would not and do not and cannot endorse a liar for Congress.”Man, the gloves are off.
Vasquez Takes a Shot At Sali
Robert Vasquez says in the Seattle Post Intelligencer that if he's elected to replace Larry Craig, he won't work with Bill Sali if he's also elected.
Vasquez also took aim at Bill Sali ... The commissioner [Vasquez] said that if both he and Sali end up representing Idaho at the nation's capital, he would not work with Sali on any legislation.Sounds like another Republican for Grant.
"I would have no problem working with any other member of Idaho's delegation," Vasquez said. "I cannot in my wildest imaging contemplate any issue that Bill Sali would champion that would be beneficial to Idaho or the United States of America instead of big business corporations."
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Early financing info
The Idaho Sec of State’s website shows two candidates that are Johnny-On-The-Spot; the Sec of State himself, and Libertarian Gubernatorial candidate Ted Dunlap. Both have already filed their campaign finance reports that aren’t due until Oct 10.
Noting particularly interesting in the reports, other than the link to Dunlap’s website. In looking around it, it is clear that Dunlap is not the ordinary R or D politician. He’s got quite a bit of interesting personal info on the site, including a picture of him playing a trombone against a mountain backdrop.
Judging by his “Issues”, he’s a pretty traditional Libertarian, including saying that the state shouldn’t regulate who marries whom.
Noting particularly interesting in the reports, other than the link to Dunlap’s website. In looking around it, it is clear that Dunlap is not the ordinary R or D politician. He’s got quite a bit of interesting personal info on the site, including a picture of him playing a trombone against a mountain backdrop.
Judging by his “Issues”, he’s a pretty traditional Libertarian, including saying that the state shouldn’t regulate who marries whom.
Monday, October 02, 2006
An Interesting Tidbit
Save the GOP says about Bill Sali
If the Idaho Republican Party thinks that Bill Sali is too conservative for them, then he's clearly in the Hezb'allah wing of the party. Ya know, if the Repub party in the most conservative Red state in the union thinks that Sali is too conservative for them,that speaks volumes. Sali is not in touch with Idaho voters.
This is almost too easy. Just quote Republicans talking about Sali; he's an "absolute idiot" says Bruce Newcomb, and on and on. You've all heard what other Rs say about Sali, and the consensus is that Sali will not be an effective congressperson.
(BTW, respects to Helen Chenoweth who was tragically killed today in an auto accident, and who rejected the PC "Congressperson" term in favor for being called a Congressman. Disagree with her politics as I did, at least she was genuine.)
Sali relied heavily on Club [for Growth] support in his victory - the state party particularly dislikes him and wanted someone ‘more moderate.Yep. They got it. The Idaho Republican party particularly dislikes Bill Sali, and, read it again, the Idaho Republican Party wants someone more moderate. Also, Sali relied heavily on the Club for Growth, the same organization that wants to do away with all ag subsidies. Not in-state contributors, but out of state hit men (and women) pressing their radical agenda.
If the Idaho Republican Party thinks that Bill Sali is too conservative for them, then he's clearly in the Hezb'allah wing of the party. Ya know, if the Repub party in the most conservative Red state in the union thinks that Sali is too conservative for them,that speaks volumes. Sali is not in touch with Idaho voters.
This is almost too easy. Just quote Republicans talking about Sali; he's an "absolute idiot" says Bruce Newcomb, and on and on. You've all heard what other Rs say about Sali, and the consensus is that Sali will not be an effective congressperson.
(BTW, respects to Helen Chenoweth who was tragically killed today in an auto accident, and who rejected the PC "Congressperson" term in favor for being called a Congressman. Disagree with her politics as I did, at least she was genuine.)
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