As a lifelong Christian and constituent of our former Idaho state senator, Jim Woodward, I thank God Jim has decided to run against Scott Herndon in next year’s primary.

In all of the times that I wrote to Jim about my concerns regarding legislation he was considering during his term of office, I never asked about his religious beliefs. I would not do that. 

Our country’s founders established a firm separation between church and state. Keeping religious preferences out of all aspects of government is essential for a healthy democracy.

However, the way our former state senator lives his life speaks more truthfully about his moral code (which is at the basis of all of earth’s religions) than mere words ever could.

Jim voted in state Senate matters in a way that represented the needs and wishes of the two counties he served. When his votes differed from my requests, he always explained why in replies to my letters. 

The most important thing was that his legislative actions matched the ideals he lives out: honesty, integrity and love for the communities he served.

I am praying that Jim is not lied about this time. But if, as before, Herndon’s out-of-state financially supported campaign lies about Jim, I pray that voters in Boundary and Bonner counties seek the truth.

CLARICE M. McKENNEY

Bonners Ferry