In today’s Idaho Statesman is a letter to the editor from former Idaho governor Phil Batt, also a former chairman of the Idaho Republican Party. The text of the letter, from the February 23, 2009, edition of the Idaho Statesman.
I appreciate Minnick's stand for responsibility
I didn't support Walt Minnick during his campaign for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Nevertheless, I did listen to his strong statements concerning fiscal responsibility. I didn't doubt his sincerity, but I thought he'd have to follow the big spenders, most of the time, once he became a member of the majority party in the House. I'm sure Rep. Minnick knew that most Idahoans opposed the so-called "stimulus package." Yet, I believe the reason for his "no" vote was a clear conviction that it is shameful to load a crushing debt on future generations of Americans and to totally usurp state rights and responsibilities. I don't yet know if I'll back Mr. Minnick for re-election, but I want him to know that I appreciate him standing up for Idaho.
PHIL BATT, Boise