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CHUCK MALLOY In Idaho |
If Governor C.L. “Butch†Otter wanted to turn the governorship into his personal kingdom for life, the system is solidly in place for him to do so.
Otter will be 72 on May 3, and he doesn’t look it. He describes himself as “healthy as a horse,†and h every well could be feeling that way for many years – and decades -- to come.
So why not seek a third term in office? I didn’t think there was any way in the world he would be seeking a third term in the most demanding job in Idaho politics. But as long as he is feeling so well, then why not a fourth term? Or a fifth term? In 2034, he’ll only be 92 years old, so maybe he could think about an eighth term. Stranger things have happened. It has not been all smooth sailing for Otter in his two terms as Idaho’s chief executive. But, apparently, he loves his job. The perfect storm is in place for Otter to stay around for as long as he desires. Consider:
There are no signs of widespread “Otter fatigue.†People may get angry with him from time to time, but a lot of that melts away when the governor gives a friendly handshake, a pat on the back and shares some laughs. He doesn’t always give the greatest speeches, but nobody relates better to people on a one-to-one basis than Otter.
Money is always the name of the game, and the big donors are likely to continue to line his campaign war chest as long as he stays in power.
The majority of Senate and House leaders are backing Otter, and for good reason. He stood up to the Legislature just one time: That was 2009 when he promoted a 2-cent gas tax for Idaho roads. The Legislature took him to the woodshed on that issue and he has been as tame as a house cat ever since. A neutered governor always makes life much easier for legislators. (more…)
