Where are the Republicans?
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With little over 35 days until the November 7th elections, I find myself wondering, where are the local Republican candidates? I have seen signs, ads, and even some literature for Republican statewide candidates, but nothing from local state Republican candidates for the House and Senate.
What’s more is I can’t even find a local Republican web presence. I can find the Democrats, with some of their candidates’ web sites, but nothing for Bonneville County Republicans. Idaho Falls has always been a tech savvy community. So why is there no local presence on the internet from Republicans? A Google search for Bonneville County Republicans produces an address and phone number for the County Republicans, but when I called the number, no answer and no message. It seems to me that after the May Primary election Republicans were done campaigning.
Leading up to the May 23rd election, there were signs, ads, and literature, but lately nothing, not even attending meetings. As I attend candidate forums, I sometimes see Dean Mortimer, who is running unopposed, and once even saw Russ Mathews, but where are the rest of the candidates? Have the Republicans figured that they don’t have to campaign to win? Has that little R in front of their names made them invincible?
As I walk the neighborhoods and talk to folks, I hear the strangest thing. “You are the first candidate that has knocked on my door in a long time”. I always feel like apologizing to them, but instead I smile and say, “Well when I win, you will be seeing alot more of me”. How can you represent the people if you are not out talking to the people, and attending the meetings and forums?
I feel that it is time to have a two party system in Bonneville County. That is why you can find the Democrats. We are out talking to people and attending meetings and forums. We know that we will represent the people, not the party. So this is my question to all voters, if you want the Republicans to carry your voice to Boise, don’t you think they should be out listening to you?
Where are the Republicans?
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Comments
Vote:
0 
0 I am running for State House of Representatives in district 32. My website is http://www.votescottcannon.com my platform points are there.
Vote:
0 0 HA! You’re Jeff “Cannonball”’s brother! Nice. Good to see you again, man.
Vote:
0 0 So anyway, I’m going to put you on the spot - on your website, you mention Tax Reform as one of your major platforms. What kinds of reforms would you favor? What is your view of the ideal tax system, and what’s wrong with our current system?
Also, what is your view on the 16th ammendment / income tax debate? If you are elected, would you take steps to ensure that our tax system is aligned with what is provided in the constitution?
Vote:
0 0 Yeah Jeff is my bro. Give him a shout out he is back in town this week. As for tax reform, in the state, sales tax exemptions are the first place I want to look at reform. How many exemptions are there and are they still needed? Income tax reform will be harder to do. Those with money are not going to like changing around that system. Funny thing about that, Bush let over 140 lawyers go from the IRS this last year. As a cost cutting measure, thing is, those lawyers were the ones to audit the wealthiest tax payers returns. So now more of them will not be reviewed.
Vote:
0 0 What about the graduated tax system? Wouldn’t it be simpler to reform the tax system to a flat tax of say, 15% of all net earnings? Then, we could simplify the tax code to remove tax shelters and exemptions (which are only used by the wealthy anyway). This would make those lawyers less necessary and create a more fluid, fair system.
A flat 15% would decrease the tax burden on lower-earning workers and still keep those making more happy by removing the graduated system.
Instead of relying on a “tax police” to check up on exemptions and perform audits, doesn’t it make more sense to just expect everyone to pay “proportional” amount (which is what the constitution calls for, by the way).
Your thoughts?
Vote:
0 0 I like the idea of a flat tax. I think that is something that the state could look at. I think that work required is something that current law makers would never touch.
Vote:
0 0 The Republicans, like Batman, are at home, washing their tights.
Vote:
0 0 Vote4Change, I am glad Jeremey asked some questions about your campaign and platform. If I remember correctly, I think there will be some debates where candidates on both sides ot the aisle will be invited to attend (on this web site). But, I think that is a little bit down the road.
You always mention you are a small business owner. Two questions about that: What do you see as the biggest problems facing small business, as certain regulations and mandatory laws could put many of us out of business easily. You thoughts are…….
Secondly, I honestly don’t know the name of your business or what you do. How about giving it to Joe to list in the Business Section?
You probably have people advising you, and I’m no expert, but if it were me, I’d talk more about what I want to do than wonder about my competition. Who CARES where they are? Their absence is noticeable. So get on with YOUR campaign and YOUR ideas to let people know what you will or won’t do.
I just shake my head when it comes to Brady/Otter comments, as I think they both are playing a weird game. Don’t say anything until the other one does, then answer to make himself look better. I’ve never seen a race quite like that one!
Thanks for sharing the info.
Vote:
0 0 Ok4Now
One of the biggest problems facing my business is competition from big business. I just don’t have the same buying power that the big companies I compete with do. I own a water distribution business and a sports store. I am very service conscience and hope that personal attention makes up for the sometimes higher costs.
Vote:
0 0 I’m glad you have a Web presence and a way to put information out there for the public. I remember stumbling across your site when I first moved back to the area. I found it informative and inspiring. Best wishes in the campaign, and thank you for running to give voters a choice!
Vote:
0 0 Vote4Change - Thanks for the info about your businesses. I didn’t know until I read them on here. I personally think that people would support locals if they knew more about the services available.
I wish when you talked about some of your campaign info, you mentioned WHAT your businesses are. WATER- the basic necessity of life. And, I’m guessing I know which sports store. What is your special niche there? Do you cater to high school teams, quick turn around, difficult to find items or moms who are never happy ( 
). Just joking with that last one. I’m not trying to give you a hard time, I simply do not know what sets your store apart from others. If I have 15 minutes to go shop, I need to know what is unique about yours.
No small business can compete with big businesses and dnix and I had a lengthy discussion about that last night to the point I think I’ll write an article about it.
Thanks for the info. Keep it coming- don’t be timid letting people know what you have successfully done.
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Vote:
Perhaps Republicans believe they don’t need to campaign because there is such a strong “red” influence in the area already. Dems likely will have to work twice as hard to get a fourth of the votes that GOP candidates do.
While we’re on the subject, I don’t think I have a clue whom you are. What are you running for, and what are your platforms?