Tuesday, November 10, 2026
46.0°F

OPINION: Bedke resists ‘burn-it-down’ mentality

by CHUCK MALLOY/Guest Opinion
| November 17, 2023 1:00 AM

It wasn’t long ago when now-Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke was part of a House leadership team that was widely viewed as one of the most conservative in Idaho’s history. Across the rotunda, there was now-Gov. Brad Little who generally was preaching the same conservative gospel in the Senate.

I worked as communication adviser with the House GOP caucus at the time, with Lawerence Denney as speaker, Mike Moyle as majority leader, Ken Roberts as caucus chair and Bedke as assistant majority leader. And there was never a question about their conservative credentials. The mild-mannered Denney was labeled as “Boss Denney” by some media outlets for supposedly forcing through his conservative ways. Bedke, who later served 10 years as speaker, was a good fit for that group.

Become a Subscriber!

You have read all of your free articles this month. Select a plan below to start your subscription today.

Already a subscriber? Login

Forever Rate - All Access
  • $29.50 per month
Buy
CDA Press Online Only $9.95
  • $9.95 per month
Buy

Logo

copyright © 2026 Terms of Use | Privacy Policy 215 N. 2nd St. Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
208-664-8176

Coeur d'Alene Press BBB Business Review