This forum isn't politics as usual

The Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls chambers of commerce have teamed up to create what promises to be the most unusual candidate forum of the primary election season. After-dinner cocktails might be all that's missing Thursday night in North Idaho College's Schuler Auditorium.

According to Mark Browning, a vice president at NIC and Coeur d'Alene chamber board member, the auditorium stage will be set up like a living room. Instead of having a moderator or panel asking questions with timed answers, "discussion leaders" will engage candidates from each of three legislative districts into explorations of the issues.

"This entire forum is designed to provoke more substantive discussion and perspective beyond a soundbite, quip or stump speech, rhetoric headline," Browning said. "There are no podiums, and no requirement to wear a red tie and a flag lapel pin."

But there is a requirement to have meaningful discussions.

The forum starts at 5:30 p.m. and will end at 7:30. Only candidates in contested legislative races will participate in this forum, which means an all-Republican ticket for the evening.

Browning and Post Falls chamber President Pam Houser will be discussion leaders for District 2, which features the following candidates: Vito Barbieri vs. Fritz Wiedenhoff, and Ed Morse vs. Eric Redman.

For District 3, Mike Patrick of The Press and Tom Greene of NIC will lead the discussion. Candidates expected to participate: Bob Nonini vs. Pat Whalen, Ron Mendive vs. Terry C. Werner, and a three-way competition between Don Cheatham, Greg Gfeller and Jeff Ward.

District 4 discussion leaders are Dave Oliveria from the Spokesman-Review and Edward Jones financial adviser Jeff Smith. Candidates include: John Goedde vs. Mary Souza, Luke Malek vs. Toby Schindelbeck, and Rick Currie vs. Kathy Sims.

The forum is sponsored by the public policy committees from both chambers.