Democrats Celebrate Sali's Win, While Republicans Appear Split

[IDemo]

Democrats say they believe their candidate, Larry Grant, has a strong chance of beating conservative Republican Bill Sali in the general election

By Thanh Tan
KBCI-TV
May 24

BOISE - Bill Sali has a strong base of supporters because of his long-standing support for smaller government, less taxes, and anti-abortion legislation. He also has a distinct and-- some say-- combative style that has often alienated him from his colleagues. For that reason, Idaho Democrats rejoiced in front of the statehouse steps Wednesday.

"Republicans have made a lot of mistakes in recent years, but nominating (Sali) for the candidate for the first congressional district, I think, was one of their biggest," said Richard Stallings, chair of the Idaho Democratic Party, as he prepared to introduce the winners of his party's primary.

Stallings says Sali's candidacy could bode well for Democrat Larry Grant, because the conservative Republican won only 26 percent of his party's vote Tuesday evening-- which means more than 70 percent of Republicans who turned out to the polls did not vote for him.

"Sali brings a lot of negatives, a lot of baggage his own party's uncomfortable with," Stallings said.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12962692/

[Zambero]

1. Sali is a bona-fide whacko

So it stands to reason that hardshell fundies and anti-tax activists love him. And the Conservative Club For Growth can be relied on to continue pumping out-of-state $$$ into his campaign. Sali even makes former 1st District "beware of the black helicopters" Congresswoman (oops, sorry Helen -- that's CongressMAN) Chenoweth look like a moderate. The good news is, his eccentric tirades and relentless obstructionism made him persona non grata with his fellow GOP state legislators. A lot of mainstream Republicans can't stomach him. Whether or not this will translate to voter defections or abstentions remains to be seen. Given his opponent's apparent insanity, and general anti-GOP sentiment, Grant might have a shot this seat.