Idaho lawmakers delay confirmation over social media posts

Idaho lawmakers have delayed the confirmation of Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s nominee for a water board over some politically charged Facebook posts.

Sen. Clifford Bayer, a Republican from Meridian, said Monday he wanted more time to talk to former House Minority Leader John Rusche – a Democrat from Lewiston – about the social media posts before voting on Rusche’s nomination to the Idaho Water Resources Board.

Bayer said he particularly wanted to talk to Rusche about why some comments have been deleted since being nominated by the governor.

Members on the Senate Resources and Environment Committee last week questioned Rusche’s background as a medical physician and how it would apply to working on a board devoted to managing water and financing crucial water projects.

Only Republican committee members agreed to delay the confirmation.

Bayer says he doesn’t think Rusche’s appointment is in jeopardy.