A walk in Brady's shoes

By ROBERT JAMES

Managing Editor

Jerry Brady came by last Thursday to sit and talk. I figured I'd had enough campaign speeches, so I suggested that we walk around Bonners Ferry instead.

What a difference a few steps make.

Brady, the Democratic candidate for governor who is currently leading in some polls, joined me for a walking tour of downtown. During the walk, he transformed from candidate for governor to more of his real self. Now don't get me wrong. He still introduced himself to everyone he passed and he asked a few to vote for him. But his demeanor was different than any other candidate I've met.

More relaxed. In control, yet able to be real at the same time.

We talked about issues in Idaho. How he is pro-second amendment. How he realizes, from living in Idaho Falls, how out of touch Boise can be with those of us living four or eight hours away.

He smiled as we walked and talked. About how Bonners Ferry is such a great town, with positive changes and great little shops. We visited stores along Main Street and around the corner.

He took time out to do some Christmas shopping. It was the most unique candidate interview I've ever done. No notebook or pen. I was trying to get to know who Brady is and what he stands for, when he's not in candidate mode.

The week before, Butch Otter sent out press releases that he was coming to Bonners Ferry. His bus showed up. He bailed. Otter bailed on Bonners Ferry.

Brady not only showed up, but he gave me an hour of his time to do nothing but show him what our downtown had. He talked to everyone who came up to him. He introduced himself to everyone here. We count.

Think about that. A candidate comes to our town of 2,500 people in the extreme northern section of the state. And knows that we matter.

We're not Boise. We're not Pocatello. We're Bonners Ferry. And we count.

To Jerry Brady, we count.

I know that Brady is the right person for governor of Idaho. I know that for many reasons. He is fiscally responsible. His moral compass is true. He knows and embraces the independent spirit of Idaho. And, most importantly, he knows that no matter how small the town or how few the people, we all count.