(Guest Voice Martha Smith) I am a senior here at the University of Idaho and consider myself politically engaged. I also consider myself a moderate and I value politicians who are problem solvers, not antagonists.
Locally, our District 6 Senator Dan Foreman is a perfect example of someone who approaches politics as an opportunity to attack others rather than working through problems to reach common ground.
Nov. 13, 2022, the day of the murders of Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen, was one of the worst days of my life, as it was for many of us here at UI.
Dan Foreman, who represents the district that UI resides in, was one of the handful of Republicans who voted against additional funding for “Idaho State Police services, increased security, a shuttle service, counseling services, a vigil, media consulting, and a security review,” according to the Idaho Statesman.
I remember vividly how additional security, counseling and the vigil made me feel after November 2022, as I’m sure many of you do as well. The idea that our own senator voted against those funds is deeply offensive to me.
In April 2023, I attended the Lincoln Day Dinner where I was fortunate enough to talk to Republican leaders from Latah County. At this event, I ran into Sen. Dan Foreman. I introduced myself as a UI student and eventually the events of November 2022 came up.
Instead of giving condolences or using it as an opportunity to ask how a large constituent base of his was healing after a tragedy, Sen. Foreman used this as an invitation to assert that the university’s actions were a misuse of government funds and that students should’ve taken personal responsibility for their safety.
Not only was this reaction aggressive, but it also lacked a deep sense of social awareness of the situation at hand. I was shocked.
I feel a responsibility to share my opinion about Foreman for one simple reason: compassion still has a place in Idaho politics, and he has none. Unfortunately, Foreman defeated his moderate opponent in the Republican primary, so the clear option in this election is Julia Parker. This election, I urge you to consider the humility of the people you are voting for in addition to their politics. The Idaho I was born and raised in does not reflect the aggression and lack of compassion that Dan Foreman exhibits.
Ian Schlater
Dan Foreman doesn't stand up for our community. Julia Parker has been on the Moscow City Council for the past few years and understands our needs. On city council, I have brought issues to her—and while we don't always agree—she listens and seeks a solution. In conversations with Dan Foreman, I haven't felt heard.
Justin Taylor
Why the heck did we need Idaho to pay for a vigil? Counseling? Media consulting?! Really?
Joey
We can now see that additional security was not needed. Dan Foreman made the right call no matter how it felt to you in the moment. This piece is a great example of how bad modern politics are: without giving a single positive attribute of the candidate you want us to vote for, you urge us to vote only on the grounds that you think her opposition wasn't nice. From the ASUI president, this article is a disgrace to ASUI and the students it represents.
David Berriochoa
Dan Foreman is a pimple on the behind (would say face but even that seems too generous for him) of the great state of Idaho. He is a grifter and a cretin who uses his position of authority to further his white Christian nationalist agenda and he should be discarded as such. He’s an unneeded and unwanted stain on our community and he deserves to lose his job because of it.
Justin Taylor
When you can't win an argument, use insults.