Republicans sweep polls in mid-term election
SANDPOINT — Republicans enjoyed another sweep through the polls in Bonner County’s midterm election.
In the race for District 1 state senator, Republican Sen. Shawn Keough charted a victory against hard-right Constitution Party candidate Christian Fioravanti. While Fioravanti attracted his share of fans for his energetic stage presence and very conservative stances, Keough’s seniority and experience proved to be an persuasive combination for voters, who granted her another term in office with 6,954 votes against Fioravanti’s 3,585 votes.
“I so much appreciated the vote of confidence and want to thank everyone for putting their faith in me,” Keough said.
Fioravanti said he suspects Keough’s additional support from Democrats pushed her into much higher vote totals, making it difficult to compete. Nevertheless, he thanked his supporters and said he’s satisfied and optimistic with the message they were able to deliver throughout the campaign.
“No, I did not win my race. But this isn’t about me,” he said. “We successfully engaged and educated many voters in the district. They are far more aware of my opponent’s voting record, and how critical it is to elect constitutional Republicans if we are ever to see real prosperity in Idaho.”
Republican Heather Scott and Democrat Laura Bry fought it out for representative seat A. After securing a win with 6,919 votes against Bry’s 3,924 votes, she feels ready to aggressively pursue issues like reclaiming federal lands.
“We’re just getting started,” she said.
Bry, meanwhile, thanked voters for their support and congratulated her opponent’s success. She said she’s grateful to have met so many community members who are passionate about their homes.
“We are nice, caring people who live in a special place,” she said. “I will continue my work as an advocate for our quality of life in the areas of education and good stewardship of our land, water and air.”
Democrat Andrew Sorg and Republican Sage Dixon were in the running for representative seat B. Dixon maintained positions against the Affordable Heathcare Act, Common Core, federal ownership of state lands and other hot button issues in the general election and won with 6,810 votes against Sorg’s 3,988 votes.
“I feel blessed and humbled to have earned the confidence of the District 1 voters, and I’m anxious to begin the work of strengthening our state and serving the people of Bonner and Boundary counties,” Dixon said.
Like Bry, Sorg congratulated Dixon on running a good campaign and thanked his supporters. He also reaffirmed the importance that Democrats keep up their presence in local politics and community issues.
“A good saying is, ‘Smooth sailing never made a good sailor,’” he said. “I believe in learning a lot from yesterday’s result and keep Idaho’s priorities in check. We as Democrats need to stay active and keep the Republican Party in check. We do it not for ourselves but for our community and our families.”
District 7 Republicans charted similarly strong numbers. Republican Sheryl Nuxoll beat Democrat Casey Drews 1,253 votes to 517 for the state senate. Republican Paul Shepherd won with 1,258 votes against Kenneth Murray Meyers 500 for representative seat B. And Republican Shannon McMillan’s 1,259 votes bested Jessica Chilcott’s 511 votes for representative seat A.
“I am proud of the work that I did,” Chilcott said. “I will continue working.”
On ballot issues, Sandpoint residents approved a resort city tax increase from 5 to 7 percent on hotel room rentals of fewer than 30 days, with 9,311 supporting it and 1,836 opposing it. A Westside Fire Protection District levy also received a majority of support with 556 in favor and 347 against.