Idaho representative shouts racist remark at indigenous candidate

BOISE, Idaho – The racist and xenophobic phrase “go back to where you came from” is deeply rooted in American history.

It can be said in many ways, some more subtle than others. But it was made clear Tuesday night in northern Idaho by a sitting state senator. Dan Foreman (R) – Viola allegedly told a Democratic candidate for the Idaho House of Representatives and a member of the Nez Perce Tribe: “Go back to where you came from.”

Latah County residents had the opportunity to hear from the District 6 legislative candidates at a Meet Your Candidates forum held at the VFW Hall in Kendrick.

All six Republican incumbents and their Democratic challengers were in attendance, and everything was going well until the crowd asked a question about discrimination and legislation.

According to a report from Democratic candidate Trish Carter-Goodheart, Rep. Brandon Mitchell (R)-Moscow responded that there is no discrimination in Idaho and that it is more about people's perceptions and sensitivities. He said he didn't see it.

When the question was put to Carter-Goodheart, a member of the Nez Perce tribe from Lapwai, she had a different opinion.

“I basically just stood up and said, just because that’s not your lived experience doesn’t mean that discrimination and racism don’t exist today,” Carter-Goodheart said. “And these are, you know, very real experiences of so many Idahoans, and it's not an Idaho problem. It is a national and even global problem.”

She told KTVB that before she could finish her sentence, Senator Foreman jumped up from his seat and yelled, “I'm so sick of your liberal bull. “Go back where you came from!”

Carter-Goodheart added: “[He] jumped out of his seat and moved his chair in a really dramatic way, looked at the back of the room and started gathering his things and stamping, and he was saying curse words the whole time, and it was horrible.”

Carter-Goodheart did not respond to the comment, but “I wanted to do it. Because I think we're really missing an opportunity to educate not only the senator, but the rest of those in attendance. That’s what we need to do in these really difficult situations, is to address racism, and discrimination means we need to address it head on.”

Carter-Goodheart told viewers that they were very upset and fortunately no one supported his comment.

“That’s very ironic. I am a very proud member of the Nez Perce Tribe here in northern Idaho. The real irony is that this forum was held in Kendrick, Idaho – literally miles, just a few miles away. “We have a lot of land that is leased to family farms,” Carter-Goodheart said. “This is exactly where I come from. I thought, yes, this is where I belong.”

Carter-Goodheart has not heard from Senator Foreman since.

She said she is waiting for a call with an apology and for a discussion to acknowledge that people in the state are experiencing racism.

“Whether you recognized or did it with malice or intent, the fact that you know you have offended or hurt or hurt someone. You can apologize and that’s good because after that the healing happens,” she said. “But yeah, that didn’t happen.”

Carter-Goodheart said she also hasn't heard from Republican leadership in Latah County.

She recognized and thanked Rep. Lori McCann (R) – Lewiston, candidate Kathy Dawes and Moscow City Councilwoman Julia Parker for standing by her and supporting her Tuesday night.

The incident was confirmed by Rep. McCann, exactly as Carter-Goodheart described it.

Senator Foreman's angry behavior on October 1 is not new. Back in September 2017, during the Latah County Fair, he was caught on Latah County Sheriff's Office bodycam video yelling at an unknown man.

“I'm tired of people like you coming out and spreading this nonsense. That's it. This guy says I'm not doing my job and lectures me about the card. Why don't you go hiking? Liberal****. Yes, go ahead. Don't vote for me because you didn't. “Yes, you are a liberal nutcase,” Senator Foreman shouted.

Then, in 2018, University of Idaho students showed up at the Idaho Statehouse for a scheduled meeting with Senator Foreman to talk about birth control.

“Abortion is murder. I'm against it. I am Roman Catholic. I am a conservative Republican. “I think what you guys are doing stinks,” Senator Foreman said.

“That’s your decision,” the unknown student said.

Senator Foreman replied: “You are absolutely right, it is my decision. So stay away from my office. Next time you walk into my office, you’ll be dealing with the ISP.”

They were there to talk about birth control, not abortion.

KTVB asked Sen. Foreman about the alleged incident, but we have not received a response.

Dan Foreman posted two reactions to the incident on his Facebook page.