 The Common Interest already has proven itself to be a valuable resource on issues of public policy. There is an important place in any public policy discussion for a well-researched, facts-based voice of reason. We may not always agree, but the essence of sound public policy is open discussion and constructive disagreement that leads to better ways of empowering individuals and communities to succeed.
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--Governor Butch Otter (Republican—Star)
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I appreciate The Common Interest. I like the non-partisan, research based approach and analysis of issues that you do. I have studied your work. It’s very thorough and well done, and helped inform my debate and votes.
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--Representative George Sayler, Assistant Minority Leader (Democrat--Coeur d’Alene)
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Legislators continually require three things. Creative new ideas, a sense of what our constituents either desire or detest, and good information; The Common Interest has been a good source of all three.
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--Senator Brad Little, Majority Caucus Chairman, Idaho Senate (Republican--Emmett)
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As Idaho's Senate Majority Leader I have found that various lobbying groups take a narrow focus to solving Idaho's complex problems. Often their solution is the solution from a singular point of view. The "Common Interest," however, focuses on the issue, studies the various points of view, then reflects back to the legislature a reasoned opinion of Idahoans. I have found this approach to be more helpful to the legislative process.
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--Senator Bart Davis, Majority Leader, Idaho Senate (Republican--Idaho Falls)
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The analysis that the Common Interest presents to us is complete and informative and offers us in many cases data and opinion in opposition to what is presented and often biased to one side in committee. Idaho Legislators are citizen legislators which means that we must do our own research, try to obtain information on issues in a very short time at the Idaho Legislature. The Common Interest is a wonderful addition to the mix!
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--Representative Wendy Jaquet, Minority Leader, Idaho House of Representatives (Democrat--Ketchum)
How refreshing it is to work with an organization that is truly nonpartisan and reaches out to educate and involve all citizens in the Idaho political process! The Common Interest has become a trusted source of information, public opinion, and balanced reporting for the members of the Idaho Legislature.
The Common Interest focuses on important bills, providing pros and cons of each issue. Our lives in Idaho are greatly affected by The Common Interest and its members. I, for one, am very grateful that the effect has been such a positive one!
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--Senator Brent Hill, Chairman, Local Government and Taxation Committee (Republican--Rexburg)
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As I have watched the organization evolve I have become impressed with the work that is done, the quality of the analysis, and the dedication of the participants in the organization to take time to research, understand all sides of an issue and then come to a decision on a position on some very complex issues that we face in Idaho . . .
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--Senator Shawn Keough, (Republican—Sandpoint)
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. . . I have come to look on The Common Interest as one of the credible resources I utilize to measure how Idahoans are thinking about our important issues and what they think are the resolutions to those issues. I would encourage anyone to become involved in The Common Interest for the in-depth analysis on complex issues of the moment and the opportunity to become involved in a process in which the outcomes are seriously considered by lawmakers and policy leaders.
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--Senator Shawn Keough, (Republican—Sandpoint)
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As legislators we are asked to vote on bills covering a wide range of complicated issues. Many of us hold down a more traditional job the rest of the year when we aren’t in session. Any collection of materials we can access to objectively explain the issues before us and help inform our decision-making are welcome. The Common Interest issues briefings and members’ analyses have proven useful in that regard.
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--Senator Kate Kelly, Minority Caucus Chair (Democrat--Boise)
As your homeowners’ exemption climbs and shields you from property tax increases in years to come, credit a fledgling group of independents who have swiftly become players at the Legislature.
If you’re an independent voter looking for an alternative, check out TheCommonInterest.org. I think you’ll be impressed.
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--Dan Popkey, columnist, Idaho Statesman, May 7, 2006
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[The bill to retain independents’ ability to vote in primary elections] is a contribution of Keith Allred and The Common Interest. Last year The Common Interest proposed the housing price index for the homeowners’ exemption. This year they’re coming in and perhaps providing a solution that really needs to be addressed. Hopefully, [the Legislature] will bow to the independents which are about 30% of the electorate in Idaho and give them an opportunity to participate.
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--Jim Weatherby, BSU professor emeritus and KTVB political analyst
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