Idaho
idapostille.Com

A funny thing happened on the way to the impasse. Idaho’s new commissioners are taking their oath to adhere to legal precedent seriously. “When you follow that, it just really eliminates a lot of partisanship,” said GOP co-chairwoman Dolores Crow.

The first commission had a three-month argument over whether the constitutional provision discouraging splitting counties — affirmed by the Idaho Supreme Court after the 2001 redistricting — trumped statutory provisions discouraging precinct splits and encouraging road connections.

“That hasn’t come up at all,” said GOP Commissioner Randy Hansen, who said there’s unity in the new priorities. First, one-person, one vote; second, minimize county splits; third, keep communities of interest together.

Commissioners are meeting in small groups to pore over maps. When they convene at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Friday in Room 433 in the Capitol, they’ll start showing them off.

“We’re talking to each other daily,” said Democrat Elmer Martinez. “You have a full commission working together to accomplish a task.”

Fueled by distrust and partisan nastiness, the first commission missed its Sept. 6 deadline, though it later produced a plan that’s helping the new group.

Friday’s hearing was electrified by an exchange between GOP Region 4 chairman Rod Beck, an ex-Senate majority leader, and Crow, former chairwoman of the House Revenue & Taxation Committee.

Beck attended many of the first commission’s meetings. During breaks, he would loudly opine about what a lousy thing voters did approving the constitutional amendment to have three Democrats and three Republicans draw legislative and congressional lines every decade. Beck wants the job back in the Legislature.

Beck’s arrogance got the best of him. Though they served together in the Senate, he began by introducing himself to co-chairman Beitelspacher, goading him with the reminder he was the majority leader while Beitelspacher was in the minority.

“Good to see you again,” Beitelspacher replied. “Fortunately, you don’t have to refer to me as ‘Mr. Chairman’ today.”

Crow, who alternates the gavel with Beitelspacher, took the Democrat’s side, saying, “You know, we could change that real quick!”

Beck said some of the district configurations considered by the first commission were “atrocious” and “silly,” and urged the panel to put politics aside.

Crow pounced. “I thought I was loud and clear when I said we are doing this with what I call a ‘blind look’ at the map when it comes to politics. It doesn’t enter our discussions whatsoever. We are doing what we are required to do by the federal constitution and Idaho law.”

Beck interrupted, prompting Crow to snap:“I have a really good idea: Next time, you put your hand up to do this job.”

Later, Crow said, “I don’t like rude people in my committee.”

Commissioners appear determined to prove the evenly split panel can succeed. “Once those fellows in black say something, they’re just like my former Sister Mary Magdalene,” Beitelspacher said. “Once they have that robe on, they want to be sure you paid attention. They don’t want to tell you again.”

Beitelspacher and Crow said they are independent of the partisans who appointed them; in Beitelspacher’s case, Idaho Democratic Party Chairman Larry Grant; in Crow’s, House Speaker Lawerence Denney.

“When we get done, if he doesn’t like it, he can sue us,” Beitelspacher said.

“Absolutely,” Crow added. “I don’t have any strings attached.”

What if Sen. Dean Cameron, R-Rupert, who’d stopped by to watch and gave Crow a big hug, called to ask her to spare him a contest with Sen. Denton Darrington, R-Declo?

“He’s a good enough legislator he can win in any district,” Crow replied. “If he didn’t, it’s not the end of the world. There’s life after the Legislature.”

Tags:  funny happened precedent commission affirmed discouraging precinct argument