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Idaho Democratic candidates vary slightly in debate

Posted at 11:48 AM, Apr 23, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-23 13:48:39-04

Idaho's Democratic gubernatorial candidates spent most of their first televised debate in agreement on most policy issues on education, health care and taxes.

However, former Rep. Paulette Jordan of Plummer and Boise businessman A.J. Balukoff became animated in the final moments of Sunday's hour-long debate when faced with questions over their endorsements.

Despite having served inside the Idaho Statehouse for nearly two terms, Jordan has not received any endorsements from her Democratic colleague. Instead, she has received endorsements from national groups like Planned Parenthood and Indivisible.

Meanwhile, Balukoff has secured endorsements from both former and present Democratic lawmakers -- even though he has never held an elected office.

Jordan downplayed the significance of the endorsements, saying she was more focused on unifying Idaho's Democratic Party rather than highlighting its difference.

Balukoff countered that his endorsements show that he can work with others and build trust.