While much of the political talk nationwide is of the upcoming Michigan primary, another candidate took time out of his schedule to pay a visit to the Gem State.
First on former governor Mitt Romney's agenda was a $1,000 a seat fundraiser at The Grove Hotel in Boise which drew around 300 people. Next, Romney made his way to a Guerdon Enterprises warehouse for a rally drawing over 1,000. Following the rally, Romney sat down to answer a few questions about Idaho specific issues. Idaho ranks 4th in the nation in percentage of land owned by the federal government and Romney says he'd like to see the management of those lands turned over to the state.
“The federal government has not done a very good job in managing its lands,” Romney said. “The State here in Idaho has done a terrific job managing the timber resources, managing the herds of various animals, that's the kind of management you'd like to see happen on the federal level.”
And Romney said the federal government should also take a step back from education.
“Education ought to be managed at the state and local level, not at the federal level.” Romney said.
When asked about his religion playing a role in voters minds, he says he hopes the votes will be cast on his record in government.
“When it comes to choosing a fiscal conservative, I’m the fiscal conservative in this race. I'm the guy that balanced the budget all four years, I’m the guy who cut taxes 19 times.
Fellow presidential hopeful Ron Paul is still in Idaho following his rally in Twin Falls Thursday. He made a stop in Moscow Friday and will be in Boise Saturday.
