MY TURN: Idaho under threat from out-of-state liberals and in-state Republican establishment
Becky Funk's recent opinion piece, "The out-of-state money myth," is a masterclass in establishment deflection. As founder of North Idaho Republicans, an outfit rooted in the failed Bill Kristol, Liz Cheney brand of Republicanism that has let Democrats steamroll conservatives for decades, Funk attacks the Citizens Alliance of Idaho PAC (CAI PAC) for accepting donations from conservative patriots nationwide. Yet she ignores the actual danger: massive out-of-state leftist funding pouring into Idaho to turn our red state into the blue neighbors to our west.
Funk distorts what I actually wrote in our donor letter. Here is the exact wording she references:
"But here's the trial in our hero's journey: Our opponents on the left are on the ropes, wounded but not defeated. They're regrouping, funded by out-of-state leftists who see Idaho as the next battleground. Establishment 'coyotes' within our own ranks undermine true conservatives ..."
Notice anything?
I specifically called out out-of-state leftists targeting Idaho as a battleground to conquer. That's not a myth, it's reality. Planned Parenthood, teachers' unions, national Democratic parties and countless progressive groups routinely funnel millions into Idaho elections and initiatives to push radical agendas. This is America; I have no problem with them raising money for their views. What I do have a problem with is establishment Republicans who pretend this isn't happening while attacking conservatives fighting back.
In contrast, CAI PAC proudly accepts support from conservative patriots across Idaho and nationwide who see our state as one of the last beacons of hope for liberty and freedom. Their contributions are a gift to Idaho conservatives, and we thank them. Hundreds of smaller donations from Idahoans also flow to our sister 501(c)(4) organization, where grassroots support shines, and donations remain private. We should celebrate patriots rallying to defend Idaho, not scorn them as Funk does.
Funk has been a GOP leader in Idaho for many years, and that's precisely the problem. She and the old guard represent an outdated, accommodating mindset that has allowed Democrats and the left to dictate our culture, society and government for far too long. This failed approach enabled leftist advances on every front, culminating in the pandemic tyranny that stripped freedoms from Idaho families and businesses. Becky Funk and the old guard simply don't know what time it is.
Take Estella Zamora, the anti-ICE agitator who led the Idaho Human Rights Commission for over 30 years. Under old-guard Republicans, this radical was repeatedly rubber-stamped into a taxpayer-funded position in a deep-red state, promoting open borders and undermining law enforcement. It took determined conservatives (including yours truly) to expose her and finally force action.
The vast majority of Idahoans believe in strong families, America and Idaho first, secure borders and the rule of law. The principles President Trump has championed for a decade. The same values that CAI fights for by knocking doors, endorsing true conservatives, and building a movement to keep Idaho free.
True conservatives are taking charge. We recognize the stakes and refuse to repeat the past. Yet Funk and her allies continue attacking those preserving conservative values while downplaying the leftist siege.
With radicals targeting Idaho, Becky Funk has chosen to misrepresent our message and bitterly smear our organization rather than join the happy warriors. Idahoans deserve leaders who understand that the old way failed and who will rally patriots across the state to preserve our freedom. We are doing our best to protect the free state of Idaho for generations to come. We ride together.
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Matt Edwards is the president of CAI PAC and executive director of Citizens Alliance of Idaho.