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Opinions / Op-eds

Idaho’s Electoral College Vote and Upcoming Event

Understanding how the Electoral College impacts our elections is essential for every voter. The difference between the Electoral College and the popular vote has sparked debate for decades, particularly during elections where the two results differ. Such splits occurred in 2016, 2000, 1888, and 1876. These instances have fueled questions about fairness, representation, and the […]

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Opinions / Op-eds

Misrepresenting Idaho in the Media

Idaho stands as a proud bastion of conservatism, its politics reflecting the convictions of a state deeply rooted in Republican values. Yet, recent mischaracterizations of the Idaho Republican Party as extremists by prominent media outlets and opinion writers aim to sow discord and attempt to alienate citizens at a time when unity and collective purpose […]

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Opinions / Op-eds

What Happened with ISU and Bannock County Lab Money?

Anatomy of a Malfeasance This article courtesy of the Idaho Freedom Foundation By all appearances, officials of Bannock County and Idaho State University (ISU) colluded to keep control over $850,000 of state money and are using it like a slush fund, even though the law requires them to return unspent appropriated money to the state. […]

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Opinions / Op-eds

AG Labrador Vows Opposition Despite BLM Decision to Push Lava Ridge Wind Project Forward

For Immediate ReleaseDecember 6, 2024Media Contact: Dan Estesdaniel.estes@ag.idaho.gov Attorney General Vows Opposition Despite BLM Decision to Push Lava Ridge Wind Project Forward [BOISE] – The Biden Administration’s Bureau of Land Management released its Record of Decision (RoD) today for the Lava Ridge wind power project, despite widespread opposition from a myriad of Idaho community interests. […]

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Opinions / Op-eds

Are The Social Studies Standards Revised Enough?

In October 2023, a committee was formed to review the Idaho K-12 Social Studies Standards for any necessary revisions, and was completed in April, 2024. The previous standards are not available for comparison but an overview is provided here. Social Studies standards are divided into history, geography, economics, civics and government, and global perspectives sections […]

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Opinions / Op-eds

Unintended Consequences

During the 2024 Idaho legislative session, the Secretary of State advocated for changing the March Presidential primary to align with the May primary for other elected offices – ostensibly to save money. However, the legislation passed by the legislature and signed by the governor ABOLISHED the Presidential primary altogether, thereby disenfranchising all Idaho citizens from […]

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Opinions / Op-eds

Democracy Needs Election Standards

Design is destiny; the standards we set determine the quality of what we achieve. Our Constitutionally guaranteed republican form of government relies on free, fair, and honest elections to select our representatives and leaders. Federal elections are conducted by the states and each state has different election laws. In Idaho, you must show a government […]

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John Livingston

We Need an Idaho Donald Trump

Today has been a great day. First Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are given portfolio and title to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency. CNN certainly has a different take on what is about to happen than the new directors themselves: https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/12/politics/elon-musk-vivek-ramaswamy-department-of-government-efficiency-trump/index.html https://nypost.com/2023/11/13/news/vivek-ramaswamy-vows-to-fire-federal-workers-based-on-social-security-numbers-nothing-will-break Classical business governance dogma—I must admit that it has over the […]

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Opinions / Op-eds

Paying More for Less

Idaho legislators are on the verge of becoming the highest-paid part-time lawmakers in the country. If the Compensation Committee approves the 43% pay increase and legislators do nothing to stop it, it will be clear that priorities in the Statehouse need realigning—toward the true needs of Idahoans, not higher pay for lawmakers. Leadership’s proposal (read […]

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Endorsements

2024 General Election Recommendations

In Idaho, the best time to select conservative candidates is typically the Primary Election, where voters often have a choice between an establishment RINO and a true conservative. Once we get to the General Election, the choice (when there is one) is usually between a Republican and a Democrat, and voting for Democrats is simply […]

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Opinions / Op-eds

The Importance of Grassroots Action

Grassroots action is the heartbeat and lifeblood of political change across our country. These local efforts often spark the first waves of reform, persevere through challenges, and rarely receive the credit they deserve. Too often, national organizations swoop in, piggybacking on grassroots wins, claiming victory, and shifting the focus to their own agendas. Picture this: […]

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Opinions / Op-eds

More Prop 1 Lies

Another week, another set of untruthful statements from Reclaim Idaho and its allies about Proposition 1. In recent mailers and text messages, they claimed that Prop 1 will “restore Idaho’s voting traditions” — an outrageous lie. Prop 1 does not restore anything; rather, it creates a brand new system with a Top-Four Jungle Primary and […]

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