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Simpson has Enjoyed Some Vindication by Staff Lewiston Tribune, December 31, 2021

Good morning and welcome to the Academy of
Cheers & Jeers Arts and Sciences awards for 2021.

. . .

In the profiles in political courage category, the nominees are:

Congressman Simpson. He has framed the debate about rescuing salmon and steelhead from the effects of -- while weaning north central Idaho and eastern Washington from economic dependence on -- the four lower Snake River dams.

In the 11 months since he announced his plan, Simpson has enjoyed some vindication.

The Biden administration has launched negotiations with tribal, conservationist and Oregon state officials who have challenged federal fish and dam management plans in court.

Washington Gov. Inslee and U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., have moved toward breaching: "Both of us believe that for the region to move forward, the time has come to identify specific details for how the impacts of breach can or cannot be mitigated."

Tri-Cities area irrigators have suggested drawing down the reservoirs behind Little Goose and Lower Granite dams to preserve their own water supply.

Yet Simpson has earned nothing but grief from his own political base. The GOP state central committee issued a vote of "no confidence" in the 2nd District congressman in May. Since then, Simpson has drawn a challenger, Idaho Falls attorney Bryan Smith, in next May's Republican primary election.

. . .