TWIN FALLS -- A newly appointed Idaho lawmaker and former newspaper publisher may introduce a bill in the 2009 Legislature to force people to use their real names when commenting on the Internet.

Rep. Stephen Hartgen, R-Twin Falls told the Twin Falls Times-News the absence of such a provision "discourages people from participating in civil life" and cheapens debate.

Hartgen is a former publisher and managing editor of the Times-News but hasn't been affiliated with the publication since 2005.

His suggestion has prompted an outcry from Web aficionados across Idaho and other states.

Dave Neiwert, a former Times-News staffer from the 1980s and now a freelancer and blogger at Crooks and Liars, says "taking away that cover will remove valuable voices and important perspectives from the public dialogue."