Gov. Butch Otter Mashes With Researchers Over "Spud Study"

Idaho Governor Butch Otter is shooting back at a Harvard study linking weight gain to potato chips and potatoes — along with sugary drinks and some meats . in a letter to the researchers otter says taters are chock-full of nutrients like vitamin C and potassium. He goes on to point out that regularly eating ANYTHING in an irresponsible way contributes to weight gain and other health concerns. The study found that in four years, smokers who recently quit gained 5 pounds. Alcohol drinkers gained a half-pound. Exercisers lost 2 pounds.  And spud eaters put on 1 pound.  Otter, who’s 69, says he gets his energy from eating Idaho’s famous potatoes.