A recent bipartisan forum in Kendrick, Idaho, took a heated turn when an audience question about discrimination sparked a controversial outburst from Republican Sen. Dan Foreman towards a Native American candidate. The incident occurred during a discussion on a state bill addressing discrimination, where Democratic candidate Trish Carter-Goodheart, a member of the Nez Perce Tribe, highlighted the issue of weak hate crime laws in Idaho and the historical presence of the neo-nazi group Aryan Nations in the region.
Foreman's response, telling Carter-Goodheart to “go back where you came from,” left attendees shocked and led to his early departure from the event. Despite denying any racist intent in a subsequent Facebook post, the incident left Carter-Goodheart and her family shaken, prompting difficult conversations with her young children who witnessed the altercation.
The forum, attended by local House and Senate candidates, continued for a brief period after Foreman's exit, with fellow candidates confirming Carter-Goodheart's account of the incident. The Nez Perce Tribe's longstanding presence in the region, dating back over 11,500 years, added a poignant context to the exchange.
Following the incident, discussions around racism, discrimination, and security measures for future events have taken center stage. Carter-Goodheart emphasized the importance of addressing inequalities and disparities, both in Idaho and nationwide, as more candidate forums are planned in the coming weeks.
Efforts to ensure the safety and inclusivity of such events have been underway, with organizers considering additional security measures and guidance from the Idaho Secretary of State's Office. The incident has underscored the need for open dialogue and vigilance in addressing issues of race and discrimination in public forums.
