Commentary

In an Idaho Falls debate this week, Gov. Butch Otter explained his decision to vigorously defend the Idaho Constitution from the concerted attack by homosexual activists and their allies on the federal bench. At stake is the definition of marriage and the entire social order.

His Democrat opponent, A.J. Balukoff, has been quite vocal in attacking the governor and AG Lawrence Wasden for defending Idaho’s constitutional amendment on traditional marriage in federal court. He has called the defense of marriage “discriminatory”.

The libertarian in the race, John Bujak, has essentially mimicked Balukoff’s criticism. 

This issue and how the candidates are handling it allows us a terrific opportunity to see the true philosophies of these gentlemen and how they approach the overarching questions of leadership and accountability.

All three men seek to become the most powerful elected official in Idaho. All three ask the support of Idaho voters … and, at least by implication, have pledged themselves to defend the Idaho Constitution. This is the specific oath of office one of them will take in January. Yet we must wonder from the onset whether Mr. Balukoff or Mr. Bujak are actually prepared to submit to the sovereignty of the People.

The Idaho Constitution is not simply a dusty document. It is the embodiment of the People’s sovereignty, and a precise delegation of some of that authority to those who would love to wield public power in our lives.

But we must ask: To whom will these men be accountable if granted such temporary power?

Mr. Balukoff and Mr. Bujak are demonstrating a certain contempt for the People; a disdain for the fundamental precept of a government built upon the consent of the governed. They presume they know better than the People – the most destructive liberal impulse. They both are more than ready to lecture us about how we should think and how we ought organize society – just like the radical college professors they probably studied under. They both tell us we should simply submit to the superior judgment of a handful of federal judges.

Some have criticized Governor Otter this year for “being out of touch”. Yet, it should not be lost on conservatives – and other champions of a republican form of government – that it is Butch Otter who is standing in the gap, actually fulfilling his oath of office to defend not just the Constitution but the fundamental principle of the People-as-Sovereign. It is Otter who is demonstrating a humility by fighting for the will of the People as expressed by their Constitution. It is Butch Otter who is battling the arrogance of a federal judiciary which seeks to impose their vision of a reordered society at complete odds with the moral foundation upon which this nation was laid.  And it is Butch Otter who is battling two opponents who apparently have no genuine interest in representing the views of those they seek to manage.

Regardless of your attitude on the vital question of homosexual marriage in Idaho, it should trouble you that Bujak and Balukoff hold the public in such disdain. If they are prepared to defy the People in this matter, it will be nothing to impose taxes or regulations or any other liberal agenda item against our will.

Kudos to Governor Otter for the fight he is waging on our behalf. May the Lord bless his efforts.