KENDRICK, Idaho AP— Tensions escalated at a bipartisan forum this week after an audience member’s question about discrimination prompted a heated response from an Idaho state senator. Republican Sen. Dan Foreman reportedly told Trish Carter-Goodheart, a Native American candidate, to go back where you came from before leaving the event early. In a subsequent Facebook post, Foreman denied making any racist remarks and did not respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press.
Carter-Goodheart, a Democratic candidate for the House District 6 seat and a member of the Nez Perce Tribe, expressed feeling shaken by the incident, which led her to reconsider safety measures for future public gatherings. It also sparked challenging conversations with her young children, Avery and Lavender, who were present during the incident.
Talking about racism with an 8-year-old and a 5-year-old is not something my husband, Dane, and I were prepared for, she said on Friday. They were scared. I was scared.
The forum, attended by Democratic and Republican precinct committee members in Kendrick, included candidates from the local district, such as Foreman, his Democratic opponent Julia Parker, Republican Rep. Lori McCann, and Carter-Goodheart.
About an hour into the event, a question about a state bill addressing discrimination arose. When it was Carter-Goodheart’s turn to respond, she challenged previous statements claiming discrimination isn’t a significant issue in Idaho. She highlighted the state’s weak hate crime laws and noted that the neo-Nazi group Aryan Nations had established its base in northern Idaho for many years. She emphasized her position as the only candidate of color in attendance.
I pointed out that just because someone hasn’t personally experienced discrimination doesn’t mean it’s not happening, she explained. As I was making my point, he jumped out of his seat and said, ‘I’m so sick of your liberal expletive. Why don’t you go back to where you came from.
The Nez Perce Tribe has lived in the Columbia River Plateau region for over 11,500 years, including the area where Kendrick is situated. The northern edge of its reservation lies less than 10 miles from the venue of the forum.
It felt like slow motion, Carter-Goodheart recalled. I just thought, ‘Go back to where you came from’? That’s within miles of where this forum is taking place. We have actual plots of land that are being leased to family farms nearby.
In his Facebook post, Foreman characterized the incident as race-baiting and accused Democratic attendees of making personal attacks and labeling Idaho as a racist state. Well, here’s a news flash for the lefties: There is no systemic racism in America or Idaho, he stated. Idaho is a great state—the best in the Union.
Foreman also criticized abortion rights supporters, saying, It is immoral and against the law of God to kill unborn babies in the womb. He dismissed the concept of Women’s Reproductive Rights, claiming there is no such thing in state or federal constitutions.
During the forum, Parker and McCann noted that Foreman yelled after Carter-Goodheart’s comments. I stood up and faced him, trying to diffuse the situation, Parker said. McCann affirmed Carter-Goodheart’s account, saying, Her statement is accurate. Carter-Goodheart leaned over to me and asked, ‘Where am I supposed to go.
The forum continued for about 20 minutes after Foreman’s departure. Carter-Goodheart admitted to feeling anxious, keeping an eye on the only exit in case he returned, while the female candidates checked on one another.
I really appreciate the support from the other candidates, especially Lori McCann, she said. We may have significant differences in our values and visions for our communities, but she checked on me, and I checked on her. That was the right thing to do.
Carter-Goodheart noted that more candidate forums are scheduled in the coming weeks. Organizers of an upcoming League of Women Voters event informed her that police would be present as a precaution. Additionally, the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office has provided guidance on security measures her campaign can implement.
We’ve been advised that it’s not a bad idea to get security, she said. We need to have honest discussions about race, discrimination, and the inequalities that exist not only in Idaho but throughout the country.