Minnick calls for Accountability after Bill Sali Flip-Flops on Ethics Reform

News Release

By Walt Minnick Campaign - March 12, 2008

(BOISE) – First Congressional district candidate and businessman Walt Minnick today pointed to Bill Sali’s opposition to ethics reform as further evidence that change is needed in Washington DC.

“It’s clear that Bill Sali doesn’t believe our elected officials should be held accountable,” said Minnick. “As a CEO, I was held accountable everyday by our customers, shareholders and employees. It’s time for Idaho to send someone to Washington DC that understands the voters come first, not your own personal agenda.”

Yesterday, Tuesday, March 11, Sali voted against House Resolution 895, legislation that would create an independent, bipartisan panel to review and refer ethics complaints to the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Just last year, on January 5, 2007, Sali supported an ethics reform package that created a zero tolerance gift ban from lobbyists and banned lobbyist-financed trips (HRS 6, Vote #7).

“This is a perfect example of why Bill Sali is one of the least effective members of Congress,” said Minnick. “There seems to be absolutely no rhyme nor reason to how he votes on any given issue. Idahoans deserve straight-talk from their representatives, not this kind of erratic political posturing.”

About Walt Minnick
Born in Walla Walla, Washington, Walt has lived in Idaho since 1974. An avid outdoorsman, Walt is known for his success as CEO of forest product company TJ International in providing jobs while protecting Idaho’s backcountry. Walt was a co-founder and currently serves on the Board of the Idaho Business Coalition for Education Excellence. He and his wife A.K. have been married for 18 years. Walt has four children and one granddaughter. A complete bio and Walt’s positions on key issues are available at http://www.waltforcongress.org.