Gubernatorial candidates go viral being politically incorrect

CREATED 9:44 PM

The Idaho Republican Gubernatorial debate has gone viral, but not for statements made by the two frontrunners.

Perennial candidates Walt Bayes and Harley Brown spoke candidly, proudly speaking outside political correctness. Today, State Senator Russ Fulcher (R-Meridian), the top contender to Governor C.L. Butch Otter (R-Idaho) called the debate a "mockery" and blames it on Otter.

In a statement today he said:

Although they did not meet the debates qualifying criteria, Governor Otter demanded inclusion of two perennial candidates, Walt Bayes and Harley Brown, as a contingency of his participation in the only debate he would agree to. As a result, the debate turned from a serious discussion regarding the position for Idahos Chief Executive, to a mockery of the Republican Party and of Idaho. Clearly, the Governor wanted to take time away from me and minimize exposure to his failed record as governor. Apparently, Governor Otter is content to have Idaho be a laughing stock so long as it improves his chance of winning an election.

Senator Fulcher continued, Idahoans deserve better. A governor should be willing to hold himself accountable and face a legitimate challenger in a public forum. I have nothing against Mr. Brown or Mr. Bayes, but Governor Otter was well aware of the environment he would create when he demanded their inclusion as a contingency of his participation. When I am governor, I will not subject my party or my state to this type of public humiliation.

Governor Otter's campaign did provide a written response to On Your Side:

"A statewide debate that excludes candidates is an exercise in elitism. If some candidates don't meet your personal expectations, don't vote for them. But if they qualify to be on the ballot, they should be able to participate in the process."

A spokeswoman from Idaho Public Television told On Your Side Gov. Otter demanded all gubernatorial candidates be invited to the debate. Walt Hayes and Harley Brown would not have met the qualifications to participate otherwise.

The spokeswoman said Otter had made a similar request in 2010, and defended the decision, saying it gave Idahoans an opportunity to know candidates who would otherwise have a small outreach.

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Gubernatorial candidates go viral being politically incorrect