TNC
11-27-2004, 09:16 PM
By John O'Connell - Journal Writer
POCATELLO - Rep. Donna Boe, D-Pocatello, will apparently return to Boise for a fifth term in the Idaho Legislature.
With 33 of 54 precincts reporting, Boe had an insurmountable lead against Republican Keith Frank of 6,463 to 4,208.
But she said her apparent victory was made sweeter by a surprise visit from her son from California and her daughter from Washington at the Democratic election party at Michelle's City Lights.
"I had no idea they were coming," Boe said while her grandson listened to get information for a school project on her election.
Boe, 70, believes Democrats are increasing their influence in Idaho. Last year, she said her party was taken more seriously because Democrats managed to team with moderate Republicans to hold up the budgeting process. She said electing more Democrats to the Legislature is vital because dialogue is crucial to making informed decisions.
"The first time I ran, it was, 'We're sure glad you're running Donna. Good luck.' Now we're able to help candidates," Boe said. "Probably the difference is we coordinated more with each other. We added seats last election, and we expect to add four for five seats this election."
Boe had much more money in her campaign war chest than Frank, a political newcomer who is director of information for Potato Growers of Idaho and a former local television news anchor.
Boe raised $17,205 from Jan. 1 to Oct. 17, compared with $3,349 raised by Frank.
"It's been a good experience. We stood for something and made a statement and did the best we could," Frank said. "It certainly looks like Donna will retain her seat. I offer her my congratulations and I will continue to work in other avenues to make Pocatello and Bannock County the best place to live that I possibly can."
Boe is critical of Republicans for holding closed caucuses. She said it's important to be completely open rather than making public policy behind closed doors.
Prison reform is among her top priorities. She said she will encourage reform in sentencing, paroling of non-violent offenders and treatment programs. Boe said the state would save $1 million by reducing sentences of non-violent offenders by six months.
Boe said she supports legislation to require written reasons for keeping offenders in prison beyond their fixed sentences.
"If the Parole Commission makes them stay in prison longer, in effect they're going against what the judge has said," Boe said.
Boe has served on the House Education and Judicial committees for eight years and said she will continue to advocate for more funds for higher education.
"The percentage of state support for higher education has gone down every year, and in order to make up the difference, they raise fees for students," Boe said, adding the entire community benefits from a student's education.
She believes the Republican Party resents teachers because they have a highly effective union.
She opposes legislation prohibiting same-sex marriage, which she believes is unnecessary, limits rights and is an "emotional wedge issue."
Frank campaigned primarily on improving the state's business climate.
http://www.journalnet.com/articles/2004/11/03/news/local/news17.txt
Copyright © 2004 Pocatello Idaho State Journal
P O Box 431 Pocatello, ID 83204-0431
POCATELLO - Rep. Donna Boe, D-Pocatello, will apparently return to Boise for a fifth term in the Idaho Legislature.
With 33 of 54 precincts reporting, Boe had an insurmountable lead against Republican Keith Frank of 6,463 to 4,208.
But she said her apparent victory was made sweeter by a surprise visit from her son from California and her daughter from Washington at the Democratic election party at Michelle's City Lights.
"I had no idea they were coming," Boe said while her grandson listened to get information for a school project on her election.
Boe, 70, believes Democrats are increasing their influence in Idaho. Last year, she said her party was taken more seriously because Democrats managed to team with moderate Republicans to hold up the budgeting process. She said electing more Democrats to the Legislature is vital because dialogue is crucial to making informed decisions.
"The first time I ran, it was, 'We're sure glad you're running Donna. Good luck.' Now we're able to help candidates," Boe said. "Probably the difference is we coordinated more with each other. We added seats last election, and we expect to add four for five seats this election."
Boe had much more money in her campaign war chest than Frank, a political newcomer who is director of information for Potato Growers of Idaho and a former local television news anchor.
Boe raised $17,205 from Jan. 1 to Oct. 17, compared with $3,349 raised by Frank.
"It's been a good experience. We stood for something and made a statement and did the best we could," Frank said. "It certainly looks like Donna will retain her seat. I offer her my congratulations and I will continue to work in other avenues to make Pocatello and Bannock County the best place to live that I possibly can."
Boe is critical of Republicans for holding closed caucuses. She said it's important to be completely open rather than making public policy behind closed doors.
Prison reform is among her top priorities. She said she will encourage reform in sentencing, paroling of non-violent offenders and treatment programs. Boe said the state would save $1 million by reducing sentences of non-violent offenders by six months.
Boe said she supports legislation to require written reasons for keeping offenders in prison beyond their fixed sentences.
"If the Parole Commission makes them stay in prison longer, in effect they're going against what the judge has said," Boe said.
Boe has served on the House Education and Judicial committees for eight years and said she will continue to advocate for more funds for higher education.
"The percentage of state support for higher education has gone down every year, and in order to make up the difference, they raise fees for students," Boe said, adding the entire community benefits from a student's education.
She believes the Republican Party resents teachers because they have a highly effective union.
She opposes legislation prohibiting same-sex marriage, which she believes is unnecessary, limits rights and is an "emotional wedge issue."
Frank campaigned primarily on improving the state's business climate.
http://www.journalnet.com/articles/2004/11/03/news/local/news17.txt
Copyright © 2004 Pocatello Idaho State Journal
P O Box 431 Pocatello, ID 83204-0431