SHERIFF: Yes, it sure is political

In the hope of explaining to Mr. Riddle regarding his question, "Sheriff: Why does party even matter?" It's pretty simple.

Since at least the 1970s, both Idaho state election code and especially Kootenai County primary filings require you specify "Party Affiliation" for all county offices. You can file Republican, Democrat and on some state forms, Independent. If you push the Republican or Democrat button, you then contend in the May 2012 primary. Push the Independent button (Non Affiliated), see you in November 2012.

Since 70 percent of Kootenai County voters are Republican, and you need their endorsements, go figure. The more important issue is, what kind of conservative or progressive is the candidate?

If one chooses to not place the "R" or "D" by their name in advertising that is his/her choice. All these guys are big boys and professional. Just like the soldier who may disagree with the war he is fighting, he will still push on and do his or her duty because they took an oath to uphold the Constitution regardless of personal beliefs. These candidates all know that party affiliation stops at the door to the sheriff's office just as it did when my Republican car was pulled over last month while visiting San Francisco.

LARRY SEAWARD

Chairperson, Hutch for Sheriff