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T.H. - Democrats let you dance even if you don't march

(The Morning Tribune (Lewiston))

Say what you want about Democrats.

It takes guts to be one in Idaho. Democrats in the state just came out with their party platform. The things it opposes include a gay marriage ban, unilateral military action and the Patriot Act.

It supports legal abortion, medical care for veterans and the uninsured and tribal sovereignty. It also supports the right to own and use firearms because, hey, this is Idaho.

You may not like all of those positions. In fact, given Idaho's red-state demographics, odds are you're grinding your teeth right now.

But you know what? That's cool. You don't have to agree with the platform to be invited to the party.

''There's no litmus test on any of these issues," says Larry Grant, who is running against Republican Bill Sali in the 1st Congressional District.

"We probably won't have total agreement on a platform and probably all candidates won't agree."

Idaho Republicans don't have that problem.

At their convention, they voted to close their primaries to nonparty members. And if you want to be on the ballot as a Republican, you bloody well better think like a Republican.

"If you want a Democrat to vote for you, then run as a Democrat," says Tom Luna, the right wing's choice for state superintendent of public instruction.

"I've heard some talk about Republicans for Grant," chimes in U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson. "There is no such thing as a Republican for Grant. They are Democrats."

And Republicans wonder why they have a reputation for being narrow-minded.

While the Republicans are trying to close their primary, Democrats are keeping theirs open to independents. Could it be that people who think for themselves often find themselves agreeing with the Democrats?

Or is it just that Republicans are not allowed to think for themselves? -- T.H.