GOP committee tosses Christian state resolution

COEUR d’ALENE — A controversial resolution to declare Idaho a Christian state was shot down by the local Republican Party.

Precinct Committeeman Hans Neumann chastised two fellow committeemen for leaking the draft resolution to the press before it was heard Tuesday by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee at the group’s regular monthly meeting.

Neumann then presented the resolution that would have the Idaho Legislature formally declare Idaho a Christian state.

“I move that this resolution be approved and sent to the state of Idaho for their approval also,” Neumann said.

Precinct Committeeman Bjorn Handeen immediately objected to the consideration of the motion, which forced the 52 members in attendance to vote on whether they wanted to even consider the resolution.

Committee Chairman Neil Oliver said Handeen’s motion required a two-thirds majority vote to quash the resolution.

Before that vote was taken, Precinct Committeewoman Kellie Palm called for a roll-call vote on the issue.

“Can this be a roll-call vote because this is a very important issue that I don’t want my name associated with,” Palm said.

After some discussion the committee voted to deny the roll-call vote, and proceeded to vote on Handeen’s motion.

At least two-thirds of the committee voted to kill the resolution.