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Rammell banking on conservative support Posted: Friday, Jun 13, 2008 - 09:13:21 am PDT By CONOR CHRISTOFFERSON Staff writer
SANDPOINT — As Idaho Republicans converge on Sandpoint for the GOP convention, one outsider is hot on their heels, giving headaches to a handful of party leaders. Rex Rammell, a veterinarian and former Elk Rancher from Rexburg, is crisscrossing the state campaigning for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho.Rammell originally hoped to be the Republican nominee for the seat, but has since left the party to run as an Independent. An Independent with an asterisk, according to Rammell. The asterisk comes from the idea that Rammell is not an Independent in the traditional sense, but rather a Republican who feels the party left him behind.
With staunch conservative values and a bank account that will allow him to put together a legitimate campaign, Rammell believes he can peel off enough support from his chief rival, Lt. Gov. Jim Risch, to win the election. Even if he doesn’t win, Rammell is confident he will steal enough votes to hand the race to Democratic nominee, Larry LaRocco. “I’ve done the math and I don’t see how Risch can win with me in the race,” Rammell said. The Republican establishment is undoubtedly calling him a spoiler, but Rammell sees nothing wrong with keeping Risch out of the senate, even if it means handing the seat to a Democrat. “(LaRocco and Risch) are the status quo. They’re part of the problem,” Rammell said. “Those two optimize politics today. You can take either one of them — they’re two peas in a pod in my mind. One’s a little more liberal than the other, but not by much.” The only solution, as far as Rammell is concerned, is for Idaho Republicans to abandon their anointed leader and throw their support behind him in the November general election. The way he sees it, there are Republicans so entrenched in party politics that they will never vote for an outsider, but Rammell thinks that brand of Republican represents a sliver of Idaho’s vast conservative base. “The establishment Republicans — the hard liners — will go with Risch. They would go with Satan if he was the their nominee,” Rammell said. Because Risch has more money, name recognition and the support of virtually every major figure in the Idaho GOP, Rammell knows he has his work cut out for him, but he is confident that if he can get his message to the masses he will earn their support. Hence the trip to Sandpoint to attend the Republican convention. The Idaho GOP is in the middle of a nasty struggle over the future of the party, and Rammell sees this as his opening. “What I’m expecting (at the convention) is a war, and the conservatives will get ticked off and when they walk out of that building they’re going to see my RV and they’re going to say, ‘There’s the answer to our problems,’” Rammell said. Part of Rammell’s pitch to disenfranchised Republicans is that he — not Risch — is the true conservative with a platform much closer to the GOP’s than any of his competitors. Rammell strenuously argues against those who say he is an extremist or a radical, and says he is not anti-government, but anti-big government. Evoking the most revered Republican of the last half century, Rammell said, “Government is not the solution to our problems. Government is the problem.” Fiscal Conservative wrote on Jun 16, 2008 10:17 AM: " Does anyone have a problem with the fact that he still hasn't paid back the guy who loaned him $100,000 to buy the genetically impure elk in 2000? They sued him and he STILL hasn't paid. Then he spends a $100,000 on this RV. (google "rex rammell loan") He's spending foolishly when he hasn't paid his bills - maybe he is ready for Washington. " Lord Help us. wrote on Jun 14, 2008 5:09 AM: " Sorry Jake I have an issue with people that don't respect the basic laws. He cost Fish and Game way to much money. By is lack of intellegence. Think about it, he keeps animals in a cage then lets them out..yes in my opinion he let them out didnt' notify anyone for some time. Allows the wild genetic pool to be damaged by his lack of regard. Fish and game distroyed about 70 some of his animals to protect the wild herds. Then he goes after fish and game because he didn't follow proper proceedures. That really sounds like the someone you want in office? You would be better off to write in a nobody than to check his name. Talk about more good ole boys stuff. " Amused wrote on Jun 13, 2008 8:10 PM: " What an incredible disgrace! Where do these nuts come from? We don't need more stupidity in congress. Vote for a good man, Jim Risch! " Nasty Ted wrote on Jun 13, 2008 6:43 PM: " History will show that it is the legal sham immigration happening everyday bringing huge numbers of Muslims into this country that is doing far more damage to the fabric of our society than several million illegal Mexicans who for the most part share our work ethic and desire to succeed, as well as a Christian background (note I do not support Christianity, but realize the benefits of that moral system when properlly used). I encourage those that are truly concerned about immigration to devote 1/5 of the energy they spend on the debate to investigate the phenomenon of sham marriages for legal immigration happening in incredible quantities in cities accross America. White uneducated women sell out for a few thousand dollars to a middleeasterner who in a couple of years divorces to bring over his three wives and several children legally. He then sits around at Starbucks inbetween taxi driving shifts, if he is actually working, in Seattle spewing his hatred for this country. Look into it. Also, look into the phenomenon of Russian immigration into this country as that country developes its wealth. The organized crime that comes along with it is amazing. White folks, and blacks for that matter, will someday be smiling and waving to the Mexican immigrant when they consider that those folks moved hear to help build up this country like our white and black ancestors. And we'll be asking how we let so many foreign born Muslims into this country. Just so you know, last year it was stated that there are 1.7 million foreign born Muslims in this country. Take a moment to think about that number compared to our population of 280 million. They are more likely to be legally here too. Look into it, just spend some time in Seattle, LA or SF. You'll see it and wonder "what the f__k??!" " Nasty Ted wrote on Jun 13, 2008 6:42 PM: " Bus looks like a deserving graffiti target. What idiot would spend $100K on that. What a poor choice! " Jake wrote on Jun 13, 2008 3:29 PM: " You can squabble about whatever you want, but when it comes down to it... I think Rammell is the only candidate that will fight for our freedoms since he knows what it's like to have them taken away. Risch was cool for a little bit, but it was just politics. We need to get back to our true conservative platform... I mean, this is the party that nominated John McCain. " desparate times wrote on Jun 13, 2008 2:44 PM: " These times take desperate measures. Rammell has done what ALL good Republicans do; borrowed $100,000 to make his bus look fancy. SPEND, SPEND, SPEND, THEN CUT TAXES FOR THE RICH. Very poor financial choice, as usual. Vote Republican, no matter how awful the candidate is! " Lord Help us. wrote on Jun 13, 2008 12:02 PM: " Oh joy, This is the guy that couldnt' keep his Elk in the pen and Risked the wild heards. Seems he can't follow the laws himself and he is going to run for an office? Do your research before you throw away a vote. " merkin muffley wrote on Jun 13, 2008 9:41 AM: " He's got my vote. One reason, he hasn't held office before and is less likely to be polluted by the poison that surrounds career politicians like Risch. It's past time we send a message to these people that politics isn't a life long career, but an opportunity to serve. " POST YOUR OPINION
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Bonner County Daily Bee
P.O. Box 159 / Sandpoint, Idaho 83864 / 208-263-9534
Bonner County Daily Bee Online is updated at 10am PST.
MARTinNJ wrote on Jun 16, 2008 3:27 PM: