Idaho Congressmen Bill Sali explained his reasons for voting against the $700 billion government bailout during a visit to Bonners Ferry on Friday.

“I wanted to take a longer look and find a way to spend less money and have it work better,” Sali told the 15 who attended the town hall meeting a Bonners Ferry Visitors Center. “We are never going to bail enough to bail our way out of this.”

Residents voiced concerns to Sali.

“I’m a small business owner,” said Christian McCarthy, owner of Purple Frog Tattoo. “No one is bailing me out.”

“We should all have grave concern on where we are headed right now,” Sali said. “Is the bailout going to work? If the market is a sign, the answer is ‘no’.”

Sali was one of 171 Congressmen who voted against the bailout plan that represents the largest government intervention in the private sector since the Great Depression.

Up for re-election, the Republican lawmaker faces Democrat Walt Minnick in the General Election Nov. 4.

“I have a guy running against me with a $3 million campaign,” said Sali. “I am not a wealthy man, but I have a way to relate to Idaho citizens because that is how I live.”