The ‘O’ word of the day …

Balukoff announcement
Democratic gubernatorial candidate A.J. Balukoff

Here are the quick — and strikingly similar — reactions to Boise School Board president A.J. Balukoff’s entry into the governor’s race. On Tuesday, Balukoff announced his plans to run on the Democratic ticket.

From Republican Gov. Butch Otter (hat tip to Betsy Russell of the Spokane Spokesman-Review): “While others campaign and consider their options, Governor Otter is busy governing and continuing to position Idaho at the forefront of growth, job creation and freedom. He’s staying focused on the proper role of government while defending Idaho’s independence, addressing our workforce needs and creating economic opportunity for all Idahoans. That said, the Governor looks forward to discussing with voters the implications of a Democrat working to advance the Obama administration’s big-government priorities here in Idaho.”

From Meridian Republican Sen. Russ Fulcher’s campaign Facebook page: “I congratulate Mr. Balukoff for seeking his party’s nomination for Governor, but let’s not forget that he represents the party that authored Obamacare. As I traveled throughout the state and met with Idahoans, I heard their demand for new leadership and overwhelming opposition to federal control of healthcare. I know I stand on the side of the majority of Idahoans in rejecting and replacing Obamacare. The 105,000 Idahoans that are having their insurance cancelled under Obamacare will be interested to know if Mr. Balukoff plans to support his fellow Democrats on this issue.”

Otter and Fulcher may not agree on everything. But they agree about when, and how, to invoke the name of the president.

Kevin Richert

Kevin Richert

Senior reporter and blogger Kevin Richert specializes in education politics and education policy. He has more than 30 years of experience in Idaho journalism. He is a frequent guest on "Idaho Reports" on Idaho Public Television and "Idaho Matters" on Boise State Public Radio. Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KevinRichert. He can be reached at [email protected]

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