Something I\u2019ve noticed in my three and a half years as Idaho GOP chair is that everyone wants to use the party\u2019s resources and infrastructure for their own crusades. At the State Convention in Twin Falls in 2022, when I was first elected, grassroots Republicans were outraged by the way the former chairman had sued precinct committeemen simply because he didn\u2019t like what they were doing at the local level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As chair, I represent all Idaho Republicans, and I take notice when outside groups start meddling in our state and our communities. Earlier this year, I called out Texas-based Young Americans for Liberty for labeling newly elected legislators \u201ctraitors\u201d because they didn\u2019t agree with YAL\u2019s agenda. It was despicable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over the last few weeks, I watched a lot of money flow into the Idaho Falls mayoral race. While I had my own personal opinions, I would never use the Idaho GOP to tip the scales. City residents get to choose their own leadership, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apparently, that\u2019s not what a lot of outside groups believe. Take Boise-based Idaho Liberty PAC, which has close connections to Governor Brad Little. In November alone, it spent nearly $30,000 in favor of one mayoral candidate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stop and think about that: $30,000 flowing from Boise to Idaho Falls, trying to tell voters who they should choose for mayor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At least that PAC\u2019s money mostly comes from Idahoans. Another organization, Defend and Protect Idaho, spent nearly $20,000 in the Idaho Falls mayoral race. Despite portraying itself as a \u201ccoalition of members of law enforcement and the military, small business owners, faith leaders, farmers and ranchers, and more dedicated to combating political extremism in Idaho,\u201d this PAC receives hundreds of thousands of dollars from left-wing groups across the nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Frankly, I\u2019m offended that the chairman, former Ada County Sheriff Gary Raney, not only uses his badge to attack good conservatives but does so with money coming from some of the most left-wing progressive groups in the country, including some funded by George Soros.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whatever happened to letting the voters decide?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we head into 2026, with the legislative session, primary election, and ballot initiatives coming up, watch out for organizations like this. If you see \u201cPaid for by Young Americans for Liberty,\u201d \u201cDefend and Protect Idaho,\u201d or \u201cIdaho Liberty PAC,\u201d your spidey senses should be telling you that someone is trying to manipulate you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take everything with a grain of salt. Do your own research, talk to candidates yourself, and vote for the one who most reflects your values and principles. Don\u2019t take the word of some PAC from out of town\u2014or even out of state.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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