Idaho Speaker calls for respectful debate in light of Arizona shooting

Submitted by Brian Murphy on Mon, 01/10/2011 - 12:22pm.

By Brian Murphy
bmurphy@idahostatesman.com

Idaho Speaker of the House Lawerence Denney, R-Midvale, opened the 2011 session asking for prayers for the victims of Saturday's shooting in Tuscon, Arizona, and calling for respectful dialogue among House members.

U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was injured in the attack and six others, including a federal judge and a 9-year-old girl, were killed in the shooting. In the aftermath, there have been several calls nationally for more civil political discourse.

Saying that hurtful speech is "damaging to us all," Denney reminded Idaho lawmakers that "we need to keep in mind what we say reaches far beyond these walls and may be misinterpreted by someone who will act out."

He called on Idaho representatives to "set an example in this chamber."

"We will not allow any debate that is personal, questions motives or is mean spirited," Denney said. "... And I encourage all of us outside these walls to always be respectful of everyone and everyone's point of view."

Before Gov. Butch Otter's State of the State Address, the joint chamber held a moment of silence for the victims of the Arizona tragedy. Denney called it a "senseless shooting."

• U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador, who was elected in November to represent Idaho's 1st Congressional District, discussed the Arizona tragedy on NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday. To read what Labrador said, click here.