Tensions escalated at a bipartisan forum in Kendrick, Idaho this week when an audience question about discrimination sparked a heated exchange. Republican State Senator Dan Foreman allegedly told Democratic candidate Trish Carter-Goodheart, a member of the Nez Perce Tribe, to “go back to where you came from.” This outburst left Carter-Goodheart shaken and forced her to have difficult conversations about racism with her young children.
The forum, organized by local Democratic and Republican precinct committee members, was meant to be a platform for House and Senate candidates to engage with the community. However, the atmosphere turned sour during a discussion about state discrimination laws. Carter-Goodheart argued that Idaho’s hate crime laws are weak and pointed out that the white supremacist group Aryan Nations had once made northern Idaho its home base. She also emphasized that she was the only candidate of color in the forum, drawing attention to the reality of discrimination.
According to Carter-Goodheart, Foreman reacted angrily to her statement, saying, “I’m so sick of your liberal (expletive). Why don’t you go back to where you came from?” This statement, delivered while Foreman stood up and yelled, was particularly jarring given the historical presence of the Nez Perce Tribe in the area. The tribe has resided on the Columbia River Plateau for over 11,500 years, including the very land where the forum took place.
Foreman left the event early and later denied making any racist remarks in a Facebook post. He claimed the incident was a “quintessential display of race-baiting” and accused the Democratic attendees of making personal attacks and portraying Idaho as a racist state. He further went on to attack abortion rights, stating that “it is immoral and against the law of God to kill unborn babies.”
Other attendees, including Foreman’s Democratic opponent Julia Parker and Republican Representative Lori McCann, corroborated Carter-Goodheart’s account of the incident. Parker recounted how she stood up and tried to de-escalate the situation, while McCann confirmed that Carter-Goodheart’s description of Foreman’s outburst was accurate.
Following the incident, Carter-Goodheart expressed concern for her safety and the need for increased security at future events. She also highlighted the importance of open and honest conversations about race and discrimination, recognizing that these issues are not unique to Idaho but are prevalent across the nation.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice and the importance of fostering respectful dialogue in our communities. It remains to be seen how this event will impact Foreman’s campaign and what steps will be taken to address the concerns raised by Carter-Goodheart and others.
