OPINION: Should Idaho’s attorney general be a competent lawyer or a politician?

The law requires that we put our personal beliefs aside when doing this work. Giving a green light to legislation with serious constitutional problems is a violation of our duty and does not benefit anyone.

OPINION: It is high time to turn the page on hyper-partisan politics in Idaho

OPINION: Abortion is the issue that may decide the attorney general race

Labrador may experience strong backlash from voters for his over-the-top interpretation and enforcement of Idaho’s strictest-in-the-nation abortion law.

OPINION: Where’s the beef, Senator Risch?

It must be election season again because I’m seeing many down-home TV ads of Jim Risch wearing his cowboy uniform and tossing hay to his cattle, as well as a bit of BS to the voters.

OPINION: Can a church really funnel dark money into the campaign against Prop 1?

Labrador’s opinion would subvert the very purpose of the Sunshine Act

OPINION: Attorney General Labrador can’t seem to resist conflicts of interest

His primary objective in office has been to rack up political points by trying to stamp out abortion in every form.

OPINION: INL can thrive without becoming a permanent nuclear waste repository

INL will continue to be the premier nuclear innovator in the country, even if Idaho does not get the NLIC designation.

OPINION: Water is a missing element in the grand plan to build up the INL

The State should not rush headlong into signing a binding agreement to take one-third of the nuclear waste in the country unless and until there is a clear and binding agreement as to how the INL will obtain the supplies of water and electricity.

OPINION: Is Idaho getting ready to buy a nuclear waste pig in a poke?

Idahoans should ask some searching questions and get some firm commitments from the federal government before blundering into a Host Agreement that will be legally binding.

OPINION: Bombing Iran back to the Stone Age is not a winning strategy

The lame excuses dished out by members of Idaho’s Congressional delegation, all of whom solemnly pledged to support the Constitution, demonstrate the extent of the corruption that has allowed this wretched war to continue.

OPINION: Raul Labrador’s reelection campaign misfires on immigration, again

OPINION: Now is the time for all good candidates to come to the aid of their state

The outcome of the May primary election demonstrated that Idaho voters have had their fill of those who won’t get serious about making life better for the people.

OPINION: Our cradle-to-grave Supreme Court desperately needs reform

The longer a Justice sits in the ivory tower of the Court, the greater the likelihood of losing touch with the real world.

OPINION: AG Labrador strikes out with 'birthright citizen” case

We should expect our Attorney General to observe and respect the rule of law, instead of bending to the whims of politics.

OPINION: Voting rights, once a Republican thing, now in GOP’s rearview mirror

The Republican regression has reached a fever pitch with the GOP push for passage of the preposterously-named SAVE America Act (Save Act).

OPINION: America, pay it forward by supporting Ukraine

Now is the time for the United States to pay it forward by providing Ukraine the resources and support it needs to follow in the footsteps of our great nation

OPINION: Labrador tilts absurdly against the mifepristone windmill

Having been unable to produce any evidence that mifepristone poses any danger to its users, Labrador has taken a strange new tack.

OPINION: Trump shows Iran’s regime the path to self-preservation

Iran now has a sixty-day ceasefire that will not likely end with a deal Trump can live with politically

OPINION: Primary elections in Idaho and elsewhere give hope for better days ahead

I suspect the GOP MAGA warriors will become increasingly alarmed by the electoral landscape as November approaches. By then, it will be too late to backtrack on their extremist agendas.

OPINION: Freedom-loving Hungarians have rejected the Putin-Orban-Trump troika

OPINION: Attorney General Raul Labrador flunks the birthright citizenship exam

Labrador and 23 other Republican Attorneys General have asked the Supreme Court to overturn what has long been the well-established law of the United States.

OPINION: Idaho’s budgeting process — throwing together feathers, hoping for a duck

Idahoans should use the occasion of Vietnam War Veterans Day to remember and pay respects to veterans who have served in all of the nation’s wars.

OPINION: Raul Labrador chooses sides in Idaho’s Republican civil war

An Idaho Republican civil war has been raging for the last several years between an extreme-right, culture-warrior branch and a reasonable, pragmatic branch whose goal is to deal with actual problems facing the state.

OPINION: The MAGA movement is headed for historic election losses this year

Trump grossly miscalculated the impact Iran could have on the world economy by closing off the Strait of Hormuz.

OPINION: Legislature should require an impact statement on health-related bills

While our lawmakers are required to provide a fiscal impact statement with each legislative measure (and truth be told, the statements are often wild estimates), there is absolutely no requirement for them to spell out the impact that health-related legislation will have on the lives of the people. That information would certainly be more important than a calculation of the monetary cost.

OPINION: Donald Trump’s war against Iran is based on lies or delusion

Pentagon briefers told Congress in a March 1 classified briefing that there was no intelligence suggesting that Iran planned to attack American forces. Trump was either delusional or dishonest in using this explanation for his snap decision to start the war.

OPINION: Abraham Lincoln would be disgusted by today’s GOP standard bearers

OPINION: Idaho’s education system is overburdened with needless rules

There are hundreds of pages of statutes, regulations and standards that apply to the public school system. Some are necessary to ensure a proper education for public school students, but many are imposed simply to score political points or simply to discredit public schools and their dedicated teachers.

OPINION: Governmental dysfunction at its finest in Idaho’s State Capitol Building

The $330+ million in tax cuts that the Governor and Legislature granted to some Idahoans, by conforming Idaho’s tax code to the BBBB, might have been just fine in a year when the state could afford them, but we are not there. Cutting so many important programs that are essential to the future of Idaho and the well-being of all its people makes absolutely no sense.

OPINION: Idaho’s top elected officials have turned their back on human rights

Instead of acting in ignorance, let’s continue to speak out for human rights in keeping with the Idaho tradition.

OPINION: The good, the bad and the ugly in Idaho’s political arena

Any reasonable and responsible legislative body would see the desperate need to increase state revenues to adequately fund essential programs.

OPINION: Idaho’s government embraces penny-wise, pound-foolish budgeting

We may save a few bucks today but end up spending gobs more in the future to address the consequences.

OPINION: Trump may be cruising toward a rendezvous with the 25th Amendment

OPINION: Trump's loose lips endanger lives of America's finest

Even a warrior nation owes it to their dedicated service personnel to maintain operational security so as not to put American lives at risk.

OPINION: Idaho’s MAGA warriors will be running amok in the 2026 legislative session

OPINION: Wayne Kidwell devoted many years to serving his state and nation

Kidwell left a life-long legacy of standing up for the rule of law.

OPINION: We have Christmas because Egypt gave sanctuary to Jesus and his family

OPINION: Shedding light on legality of Carribean killings

There is no need to get into the legal weeds about the legality of Trump's Caribbean killings because their unlawfulness has been well established in the last three months.

OPINION: Vladimir Putin’s gotta love Donald Trump’s plan to dump Europe and NATO

It makes absolutely no sense to adopt a national security strategy that diverts the nation’s attention from the real and present dangers facing our country.

OPINION: Remember to give thanks for the unlikely success of America’s revolution

Let’s leave our petty disputes and troubles aside and continue the task given us by the US Constitution– to make our people and states “a more perfect Union.”

OPINION: Take heart cowardly GOP Congress, the TACO policy might work for you

Several recent examples indicate an awakening on the part of a few brave souls. The most recent is Trump’s remarkable about-face on releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files. The issue has had an interesting journey. Trump pledged to release the Epstein files, if elected, during the 2024 presidential campaign. Attorney General Pam Bondi ordered a comprehensive search of the Epstein files earlier this year. The FBI reported in July that it had conducted a complete search of every conceivable Epstein-related file. Trump was told that his name appeared numerous times in the files. Ever since then, he has fought tooth and nail against releasing any further Epstein files, likely because they contained extremely damaging information about him.

OPINION: Donald Trump’s ugly immigration machine tarnishes everything it touches

When about 200 federal, state and local agents descended on a racetrack in WIlder to frighten and intimidate a festive crowd, it smeared an ugly stain upon the legacy of former Governor Phil Batt and his beloved city.

OPINION: We owe veterans much more than thanks and praise on Veterans Day

While every American should step forward on Veterans Day, November 11, and every other day of the year, to express appreciation for those who have fought, died and still carry the wounds of war, we all must do much more.

OPINION: Lawsuit filed to prevent subsidizing private/religious education

A lawsuit to prevent taxpayer money from being used to pay for private and religious education is now before the Idaho Supreme Court. A dedicated coalition of public school supporters filed the suit on September 17, asking the Court to declare Idaho’s voucher subsidy law unconstitutional. They are also asking the Court to prevent the Idaho State Tax Commission from implementing and administering the law.

OPINION: Trump’s Epstein 'hoax' claim is a slap in the face for sex abuse victims

Survivors of Jeffery Epstein’s abuse spoke at the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 5, telling about their years of torment caused by the serial pedophile. They made the simple request that Donald Trump release the Epstein files, which he could do with the stroke of a pen. Files amassed by the FBI and Justice Department since 2005 would likely contain significant evidence of Epstein’s charged and uncharged crimes — victim statements, investigators’ notes, the identity of those who took part and what caused law enforcement to finally start investigating allegations against Epstein.

OPINION: Bits and pieces of ugly scenery on the road to a totalitarian state

As a person who volunteered to fight in the Vietnam War, I’m astounded by the silence of Idaho’s top leaders as the country travels the road toward a Trump dictatorship. Our Governor, Attorney General and Congressional delegation are apparently on board with his un-American actions, or they are just too frightened to voice objection.

OPINION: What does the rule of law mean and why is it so important to America?

We hear a lot of talk these days about “the rule of law” but not so much about what those words mean. They mean that the government may not take actions contrary to existing laws. The words are vitally important to everyone living in the United States, legally or not, because they protect all residents from arbitrary government action. People can’t just be grabbed off the streets without getting their day in court. That is extremely important for individuals, but the rule of law is so much more than that. It is the reason that the United States has grown to be the most prosperous nation on the planet. The country must live within the law to maintain that remarkable prosperity.

OPINION: Appeasement merely encourages a bloodthirsty aggressor

Donald Trump has given Vladimir Putin’s war machine a green light to continue its genocidal war against the Ukrainian people. Just days before the Alaska summit with Putin, Trump gave Ukraine and America’s other European allies assurances that he was going to get tough with Putin. He was going to demand an immediate ceasefire to stop Russia’s killing. Instead, Trump wilted and gave Putin everything he wanted. The vicious Russian war machine will continue its merciless killing of Ukrainian men, women and children until Ukraine hands over large chunks of its country to Putin’s cutthroats.

OPINION: Idaho legislators should not vote on bills that line their own pockets

Idahoans learned this year that the Idaho Legislature’s conflict of interest rules are essentially toothless. Under rules adopted by both Houses, legislators are not required to disclose the nature of a financial interest they may have in a legislative measure.

OPINION: The Idaho Freedom Foundation is at it again — attacking judges this time

Brent Regan, the Board Chairman of the ill-named Idaho Freedom Foundation (IFF), is at it again. After barely failing to destroy North Idaho College with a culture war campaign, Regan is trying to discredit Idaho’s judiciary. Judges make good targets because they are unable to respond to unfounded attacks against them.

OPINION: Little, Risch and Crapo are betting heavily on Trump’s MAGA program

The envelope in my mailbox screamed out, “this ENDORSEMENT has IDAHO LIBERALS worried.” Fearing the worst, I gingerly opened the envelope, only to find that the liberals were supposed to be worried because Governor Brad Little had “received the complete and total endorsement of President Donald Trump in June.”

OPINION: It’s déjà vu all over again for families of some American service personnel

Sgt. Cuauhtemoc “Temo” Juarez served on three continents as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps from 1995 to 1999. After that, he joined the Florida National Guard and served a deployment in Iraq. Nevertheless, his wife of 18 years, Alejandra, was deported to Mexico because she had crossed unlawfully into the U.S. in the late 1990s. Alejandra and Temo had two daughters, both of whom are American citizens. Alejandra took the younger daughter with her. She left the older one with Temo, fearing for her safety in Mexico.

OPINION: A political statement masquerading as a legal opinion must be called out

Please believe me, I have tried to limit my criticism of Attorney General Raul Labrador. But, as a former Idaho AG for eight years, I know the importance of providing sound legal advice to state entities. When the Idaho AG issues an obvious political opinion in response to a state official’s request for legal guidance, he must be called out for giving harmful advice. Labrador recently advised the State Superintendent of Public Instruction that a classroom sign reading “Everyone is Welcome Here” was prohibited by law. The legally-correct answer, based on the law in question–Idaho Code section 33-143 — was that the sign fully complies with the law.

OPINION: There’s never a dull moment in the Idaho political scene nowadays

Idaho’s governing leadership certainly keeps things lively in these troubled times. In the last couple of months, we have witnessed JFAC, the legislative budget committee, setting spending levels before knowing how much revenue might come in, Rep. Mike Moyle forcing yet another imprudent tax cut favoring the wealthy and Governor Little criticizing the mess as unbalanced but then meekly signing it into law.

OPINION: Tony Park was a genuine soul and an Idaho champion of the rule of law

About four years ago, I made a decision that enriched the lives of four elderly Idaho lawyers. I invited Tony Park to join a weekly lunch trio at Eddie’s Restaurant on Overland Road with Wayne Kidwell, Duff McKee and me. He agreed, making it a lunch foursome. Tony was elected as Idaho Attorney General in 1970, Wayne took that office from him in the 1974 election and Duff, a longtime friend of Wayne’s, had served for years as a district judge. Tony was a Democrat and the rest of us were traditional Idaho Republicans, the kind that don’t thrive on divisive culture war issues.

OPINION: Donald Trump is seeking to infuse politics into America’s military forces

Donald Trump has repeatedly shown disrespect for America’s non-political military forces for selflessly performing their role of serving the country’s vital security interests. That likely caused him to call soldiers who died fighting for our country “suckers” and “losers.” At a 2017 Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington Cemetery, Trump asked his Homeland Security Secretary, General John Kelly, “I don’t get it. What was in it for them?” As a person who always puts his own interests above those of the country, he could not fathom that our warriors would risk their lives to protect the United States.

OPINION: Just like everyone else, Idaho’s Attorney General must comply with the law

Three years ago, I joined five other former Idaho Attorneys General in describing that important position as “the state’s family lawyer” because the AG is legally obligated to “perform all legal services for the state.” The AG should scrupulously comply with all legal, ethical and professional standards. Disrespect of any of those standards is detrimental to the legal profession and erodes public confidence in the rule of law.

OPINION: The big, beautiful billionaire tax-cut bill will hasten America’s decline

Ever since the defeat of the Axis Powers in World War II, America has been admired around the world as a beacon of equality, freedom and opportunity. That admiration helped the United States become the world’s preeminent economic and military power over the last 80 years. While we have faced serious problems, like racial inequality, poverty and questionable wars, our elected representatives have usually been able to work together in an effort to address them. I fear that the era of America’s economic and moral dominance is now faltering and headed into a period of decline.

OPINION: Remember and honor veterans who died from war-related causes

Memorial Day is a time to set aside our differences and join together in remembering and thanking those brave souls who gave their last full measure for their fellow Americans. They deserve that honor even for serving in what some thought to be an ill-advised conflict. Vietnam turned out to be such a war, but that cannot take away from the fact that the 58,220 service personnel who died in that war were answering the call of their country and doing it well.

OPINION: Elon Musk’s massive collection of personal data is a threat to all Americans

A bipartisan group of state attorneys general should be commended for calling public attention to the need for Americans to protect the privacy of their generic data. The AGs warn that about 15 million customers of DNA testing company 23andMe are in danger of having their personal genetic information fall into unsafe hands because of the company’s bankruptcy. The AGs advise customers on how to protect their data.

OPINION: Why has Senator Risch gone silent on supporting NATO and Ukraine?

Although Jim Risch is one of those Congressional lifers who does not have a particularly distinguished record on domestic issues, he has exercised good sense on some national security issues. He has long seen the North Atlantic Treaty Alliance (NATO) as an essential component of America’s national defense. For instance, in 2023 he called NATO “the most successful political and defensive organization that’s ever been on the face of the planet.” He elaborated: “NATO is important because the national security of the United States of America is the most important issue that the federal government exists for. And there is nothing that gives us better security than the NATO organization.”

OPINION: Utah voucher law found unconstitutional. Idaho’s law is also vulnerable

A district judge in Utah issued a marvelous decision on April 18, finding Utah’s school voucher law to be unconstitutional. The 60-page decision was based on a variety of constitutional flaws that the Utah law shares with Idaho’s recently-enacted education tax credit law. The Utah law was enacted in 2023 with $42.5 million in state funds. State funding increased by $40 million in each of the next two years.

OPINION: Some suggestions for what Senator Crapo can do now for housing in Idaho

Senator Mike Crapo said in an April 8 op-ed that “access to affordable housing is one of the most pressing issues” he encounters across Idaho. He has asked that Idahoans participate in a housing survey so he can develop policy solutions. The Senator is Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over issues that can profoundly affect housing in Idaho — trade, taxes, Medicaid and Social Security. He could actually have a tremendously positive effect on housing availability in the Gem State, merely by using his clout on this powerful committee, without needing a survey.

OPINION: Donald Trump channels a kindred spirit, Dick the Butcher

There has been a bit of discussion over the years as to what William Shakespeare’s character, Dick the Butcher, meant when he said: “The first thing we do is, let’s kill all the lawyers.”

OPINION: Vietnam War Veterans Day reminds us of what it means to serve

March 29 is Vietnam War Veterans Day, the day set aside to remember and honor those who served in that ill-fated war. A phone call earlier this month brought to mind a perfect example of what dedicated service-to-country looks like. My friend, James Peterson, called to say that he would be undergoing surgery for a dangerous cancer, likely the result of his substantial exposure to Agent Orange during two tours of service with the Special Forces (SF) in Vietnam. It hit me hard because here was a man who had dedicated his life to standing up for his country and now was faced with a hefty price.

OPINION: Washington is targeting veteran programs. We must defend our vets

Veteran programs are in the sights of Russell Vought, who currently controls America’s purse strings. The US Constitution gave Congress that crucial responsibility, but our present GOP Congress has largely given over its power to Vought, who is now the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the White House. While multi-billionaire Elon Musk is slicing and dicing governmental agencies, Vought is making the financial calls that guide both Musk and the Congress. The consequences are starting to show up both on the national level and here in the Gem State.

OPINION: Attorney General Labrador continues to endanger pregnant women

Most lawyers will take a hint from the courts when they are told a legal argument does not hold water. Idaho’s Attorney General Raul Labrador is a rare exception. Despite having been told by three different courts — Idaho’s Federal District Court, the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals — that his argument on Idaho’s total abortion ban is wrong-headed, he keeps making the same losing argument. Labrador contends that Idaho’s abortion law is Identical in effect to a federal law, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), which requires most hospitals to give stabilizing care to pregnant women who come to the emergency room with life-threatening complications.

OPINION: We the People need to exert our power over our elected officials

The preamble of the U.S. Constitution starts with these powerful words: “We the People of the United States.” Those words mean that all power arises from the people. Article I, section 2 of the Idaho Constitution says that all political power is inherent in the people. When our elected representatives in either the state or federal government fail to heed the voice of the people, they deserve to be replaced by those who will.

OPINION: The captivating GOP cat fight over vicious dark-money-financed campaigns

When the results of the May Republican primary were announced last year, many were shocked to learn that Chuck Winder, the well-regarded GOP Senate leader, had been defeated. House Speaker Mike Moyle received just 799 votes more than his GOP challenger. It was even more surprising that an out-of-state dark-money group, Make Liberty Win PAC (MLW), had campaigned heavily against them. The group spent $107,473 to defeat Winder and $112,852 attempting to get rid of Moyle.

OPINION: The private and religious school subsidy bill is a taxpayer boondoggle

House Bill 93, which passed the Idaho House of Representatives on Feb. 7, would exempt most families who take advantage of the $5,000 per student tax credit from paying any state income tax whatsoever. If their tax liability is less than the $5,000 subsidy, the state is required to send them a payment to make up the difference. In the words of the bill, “If the credit exceeds the tax imposed by [the income tax], the excess credit amount shall be refunded to the taxpayer.” So, they get out of paying any income tax and get a bonus payment to boot. That fits nicely into the category of having their cake and eating it too.

OPINION: Idaho’s Congressional delegation takes a pass on Constitutional governing

On Jan. 20, Donald Trump solemnly swore that he would, to the best of his ability, “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” Immediately afterwards, he began churning out a slew of executive orders, a number of which violated that sacred oath. He put an unelected chaos agent, Elon Musk, in charge of shredding the U.S. Government in clear defiance of our Constitutional order. There has been no effort by Trump or the Republican House and Senate to stop his lawlessness.

OPINION: Risch, Crapo, Simpson — Stop federal usurpation of state water rights

Without prior warning to state water managers in California’s Tulare County, federal officials suddenly dumped a torrent of water from two lakes in the state’s Central Valley. The deluge almost caused flooding on its way to the ocean, where it served absolutely no useful purpose. Farmers were incensed that they would not have the precious water for this year’s growing season. The water community was left scratching its head.

OPINION: Private school subsidies will produce a few winners and many losers

Let’s be honest. The push to require Idaho taxpayers to subsidize private and religious schooling is not about “choice.” Experience in voucher states indicates that the great majority of those who get the subsidy money are already sending their kids to private or religious schools. That will undoubtedly be the case in Idaho. The only real question is who benefits from the money extracted from taxpayers and who gets stuck paying the bill–who wins and who loses. Just follow the money.

OPINION: It’s high time for Idaho to obliterate obsolete and unnecessary laws

Kudos to Idaho House Speaker Mike Moyle for starting a crusade against “outdated, obsolete and unnecessary” laws. Moyle’s House Bill 14 — the “Idaho Code Cleanup Act” — would cleanse Idaho’s statute books of laws that are void, unenforceable and not in the public interest. It is high time to comb through our laws and get rid of those oldies that are no longer relevant. But we should not overlook newer laws that serve no purpose, nor legislative proposals that would just add to the clutter.

OPINION: The lawmaking power of Idaho voters is under attack again

Dorothy Moon, the current chair of the extremist faction of the Idaho Republican Party, proclaimed on election night that: “We’re not ever going to let Reclaim Idaho bring another initiative.” Moon was honked off that the citizen initiative group had just run a third initiative drive seeking reform of Idaho laws.

OPINION: Idaho's Constitution does not permit private school subsidies

Despite the fact that Article IX, section 5 of Idaho’s Constitution strictly prohibits using public funds for religious education, Idaho’s spendthrift legislators are at it again. They want to shower taxpayer money upon parents who are sending their kids to private schools, which would open the floodgates to subsidizing religious education.

OPINION: Idahoans should be alarmed by the scarcity of trial court candidates

Very few well-qualified lawyers have applied for Idaho district court positions in recent years. District courts handle trials of felony cases, as well as all types of civil cases affecting the lives and property of individuals and businesses. Putting these disputes in the hands of judges without substantial experience is risky business.

OPINION: Dan Chadwick was a remarkable public servant. We need more like him

When I learned of Dan Chadwick’s handling of a truancy case in Payette County, not long after I took office as Attorney General in 1983, I was greatly impressed. The case produced headlines across the country. Dan was a deputy county prosecutor at the time and he resolved the case by exercising a firm but reasonable approach. I decided he would be just the person to act as legal counsel to Jerry Evans, who was then the State School Superintendent. Dan excelled in that job, which was just part of his record of distinguished public service, right up until he passed away this year on April 23.

OPINION: Labrador has failed to keep his pledge to represent the people

Two headlines in the Dec. 11 issue of the Idaho Capital Sun caught my attention because they typified Raul Labrador’s track record during his two years in office. While Labrador promised to represent the interests of the people, he has utterly failed to do so. The first headline proclaimed: “Judges in Oregon, Washington, block Kroger-Albertsons supermarket merger.” The second headline said: “Appeals court considers next step for emergency abortion care in Idaho.” In the first instance, Labrador chose to sit out a case that would have increased the grocery bill of Idaho families in areas where Fred Meyer and Albertsons compete for customers. In the second, Labrador has spent an inordinate amount of time trying to prevent women with dangerous pregnancies from getting life-saving care in Idaho emergency rooms.

OPINION: Senator Len Jordan’s legacy may derail Trump’s spending cuts

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, the Trump-appointed oligarchs tasked with cutting federal expenditures, have a daunting task ahead of them. This so-called “DOGE” duo has vowed to slash about $2 trillion in governmental spending, even though there was only $1.7 trillion in “discretionary” spending in the FY 2023 budget. About half of discretionary spending is for national security. Interest on the debt and mandatory programs like Social Security and Medicare, accounted for $3.8 trillion in last year’s budget. That means mandatory programs are now at risk with the $2 trillion target.

OPINION: The referendum is the ultimate answer to the school voucher fight in Idaho

The voucher vultures are circling the Idaho treasury, expecting to soon have government approval to gorge on money paid into the treasury by hard-working Idahoans.

OPINION: Giving thanks for those volunteers who took on the party bosses on Prop 1

When I was going to law school in Chicago during the mid-1960s, Mayor Richard Daley was the undisputed boss of the Democratic Party in Cook County. Candidates had to be anointed by Daley if they hoped to win in the primary election. Those who won the Democratic primary were practically guaranteed to win in November. Once elected, candidates were expected to carefully toe the party line in order to keep their offices. I remember thinking at the time that independent-minded Idahoans would never descend to the depths of bossist politics.

OPINION: GOP extremists are feeling their oats, but do they misread the tea leaves?

The extremist branch of Idaho’s Republican Party, presided over by Dorothy Moon, has been feeling its oats after the 2024 elections. They defeated a number of reasonable, problem-solving Republicans in the May primary and made a few gains in the general election, but they may be misreading the tea leaves. Those leaves point to a growing dissatisfaction with fake culture-war issues amongst a large swath of Idaho voters, including many traditional Republicans. American history demonstrates that extremism loses its luster with the passage of time. A number of factors point to a return to reason.

OPINION: Idaho’s senators are in positions to limit the damage of some Trump plans

Idaho Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo will be in key positions next year to limit the damage inflicted on the country by Donald Trump. It is expected that Risch will chair the Senate Foreign Relations Committee while Crapo chairs the Senate Finance Committee. The question is whether they can muster the courage to stand in opposition to bad policy choices. I would not bet heavily in favor of good choices.

OPINION: Remembering our veterans and looking to the future on this Veterans Day

It is fitting that America sets aside at least one day every year to honor those who served in the county’s armed forces. Demonstrating respect for veterans encourages young people to step forward to serve the country, which in turn keeps us strong and prepared to meet challenges posed by our adversaries. Despite the indecisive outcomes of our conflicts following the Second World War — Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan — there should never be any question that the service of our military men and women is appreciated by a grateful nation.

OPINION: Idaho voters face a stark 'them-or-us' choice in November

Bryan Smith, an ultra-right Republican and vice chair of the extremist Idaho Freedom Foundation (IFF), understands that the Open Primaries Initiative (OPI) will break the stranglehold his hardline branch of the GOP has over who gets elected to public office in Idaho. He let the cat out of the bag in August of last year when he said: “If Idaho gets ranked choice voting, we're finished. It’s that simple." Smith knows that getting rid of the closed Republican primary will allow every Idaho voter to have a say in choosing our leaders. No longer will the most extreme candidates have the best chance of winning the low-turnout primary and then coasting to victory in November.

OPINION: A short history lesson for Moon and Labrador on ranked-choice voting

The opponents of Proposition 1, the Open Primaries Initiative, have been making uninformed claims about this game-changing voting reform. Dorothy Moon, the head of the extremist branch of Idaho’s Republican Party, contends Prop.1 is an evil California measure that does not fit Idaho. Attorney General Labrador argues that it violates the Idaho Constitution. They both would have you believe the voting system is completely foreign to the United States. They are dead wrong on all counts.

OPINION: The David vs. Goliath fight over state funding of religious education in Idaho

Most Idahoans would agree with Thomas Jefferson’s observation that “the government closest to the people serves the people best.” In fact, that nugget of wisdom is right there on page 2 of Idaho’s present-day Republican Party Platform. Idaho schools have greatly benefited from governance by locally-elected school boards. Those boards are knowledgeable about local educational issues and responsive to the needs of their school communities. Our local governance is now under attack by dark-money-funded know-it-alls who seemingly believe that Idahoans are incapable of educating their kids.

OPINION: Stop the GOP steal of Idaho’s Great Seal

The extremist branch of the Idaho Republican Party is in an absolute panic about the Open Primaries Initiative (OPI), which will give every Idaho voter the right to choose our elected officials. Mike Moyle, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has come out with a laundry list of supposed horribles that will result if the OPI depletes his legislative cadre of culture warriors who have turned Idaho into a national laughingstock. Dorothy Moon, who wants absolute control over who gets elected to public office in Idaho, is forging ahead with her own misinformation campaign. The GOP extremist have even been so brazen as to try to steal Idaho’s Great Seal.

OPINION: 'He who represents himself has a fool for a client' — Abraham Lincoln

"He who represents himself has a fool for a client." — Abraham Lincoln

OPINION: Raul Labrador wants to deprive Idaho voters of their initiative rights

You have to hand it to Attorney General Raul Labrador. He can’t be shamed out of pursuing a foolish course of action. Just days after the Idaho Supreme Court unceremoniously tossed the Attorney General’s lawsuit to kill the Open Primaries Initiative (OPI), he’s at it again. In the Supreme Court’s opinion dismissing Labrador’s first suit, the Court said he “fundamentally misapprehends the role of this Court under the Idaho Constitution and the role of the Secretary of State under the initiative laws enacted by the Idaho Legislature.” That stinging rebuke did not stop Labrador from filing another suit attacking the initiative. It, too, will end up on the legal trash heap.

OPINION: The Open Primaries Initiative won’t cause gun control, warts or balding

Political fearmonger Greg Pruett has been trying to scare voters away from the Open Primaries Initiative (OPI) with the preposterous claim that it will bring gun control to Idaho. Pruett makes a living by frightening voters with fake threats to gun rights for the purpose of electing extremists to public office. It is also his personal meal ticket.

OPINION: U.S. restraints on Ukraine hamstring its defense against Putin’s war

Ukraine’s recent cross-border attack on Russia highlights a serious problem in its ability to defend against Vladimir Putin’s genocidal war. The U.S and its NATO allies recognized the grave threat that the war posed against their collective national security interests and correctly responded by supplying weapons to the beleaguered nation. Senator Jim Risch has repeatedly said that Putin’s war poses a serious threat to America’s national security. He told columnist Chuck Malloy: “If we abandon Ukraine and throw in the towel…there will be major consequences.” Getting out of Ukraine, “I believe, would set up the largest arms race that the planet has ever seen.”

OPINION: School voucher promoters smell blood in the water

Those promoting schemes to use Idaho taxpayer money to pay for private and religious schooling appear to be gearing up for a decisive push in the 2025 legislative session. A variety of out-of-state, dark-money groups helped to defeat several home-grown Idaho legislators who were dedicated to improving Idaho’s public schools. Those defeats may have frightened Idaho’s Governor and Superintendent of Schools to buy into the schemers’ plans to raid the Idaho treasury to benefit private and religious schools.

OPINION: Idaho’s Don Quixote targets the Open Primaries Initiative

Idaho’s Don Quixote has found another windmill to tilt. Attorney General Raul Labrador has just hauled off and, once again, sued one of his own clients. This time, Labrador is suing Secretary of State Phil McGrane, trying to force McGrane to do something that he can’t do under Idaho law — kill the Open Primaries Initiative (OPI). To make matters even worse, Labrador is also trying to defend McGrane in the lawsuit. That appears to be a serious conflict of interest.

OPINION: Is Idaho really being invaded by migrants seeking government handouts?

We have heard recent claims that Idaho is being invaded by hordes of undocumented immigrants seeking to vote in Idaho elections and grab government handouts. There is no evidence to support either claim, but in today’s charged political environment, proof is the last thing you need to address an imagined problem.

OPINION: The Open Primaries Initiative will protect public school sports programs

Having grown up in a small farming community, I can attest that public schools are the heart and soul of most communities in Idaho. Local folks of every political stripe show up in droves for school activities — football, baseball, basketball, soccer, track, school plays, marching bands, Future Farmers and everything else our local schools offer.

OPINION: Jannus, Inc. is a jewel in the Gem State’s nonprofit service crown

Many Idahoans might not know the name, Jannus, Inc., but they may be familiar with some of the outstanding work this remarkable social service nonprofit has performed during its 50 years of serving in the Gem State. It operates a broad range of programs that serve practically every segment of our society — veterans, pre-schoolers, refugees, seniors, the distressed, K-12 students, you name it.

OPINION: The Ten Commandments may soon be coming to Idaho public schools

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry recently signed a bill into law requiring the Ten Commandments to be hung in every public school classroom in his state. He knew the bill violated the Establishment Clause in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, but did it anyway. Landry is a Christian nationalist who wants to infuse his version of Christianity into practically every aspect of public life in America.

OPINION: Dorothy Moon is fueling efforts to detoxify Idaho’s Republican Party

Dorothy Moon held onto her position as boss of the extremist branch of Idaho’s Republican Party at the GOP convention in Coeur d’Alene on June 15. Mary Souza challenged Moon for the chairmanship in hopes of bringing more moderation to the party but failed on a vote of 376-228. A tremendous effort had been made by reasonable Republicans to win a majority of precinct committee positions in this year’s closed GOP primary. The objective was to vote the extremists out and change the direction of the party. Despite creditable success in some areas of the state, the reformers did not get their majority. They will in the next election, if they keep at it.

OPINION: A serious case of mistaken identity among Idaho’s three political parties

It was a pleasant surprise to find a letter from Governor Brad Little when I opened my mailbox on June 10. But it was unsettling to read his warning against voting for Idaho Democratic candidates who might endanger his “record of success.” Thinking back over the years, Democratic legislators have played a significant role in that success. For instance, the Governor’s letter touted the Idaho Launch program, which provides kids with workforce training grants. That program would not have seen the light of day in 2023 without the essential support of House and Senate Democrats. They gave it strong support again this year. In fact, the Democrats in the Legislature have given the Governor support on numerous issues since he took office in January 2019.

OPINION: Attorney General Labrador needs a crash course on legal ethics

Despite what many people may think about lawyers, the legal profession sets high standards of ethical conduct for licensed lawyers.

OPINION: The 2024 GOP primary results show the urgent need for election reform

The results of the Republican primary election graphically demonstrate, once again, how the closed primary, together with massive amounts of out-of-state dark money, ensures minority-controlled government in Idaho. It is no wonder that Dorothy Moon’s extremist branch of the GOP is doing everything possible to stop election reform. If Idaho voters approve the Open Primaries Initiative on November 5, the stranglehold she and her extremist allies have over the Republican Party will be forever broken. The Idaho Freedom Foundation (IFF) will lose its grip on the Legislature. Reasonable, pragmatic Republicans will oust the divisive GOP culture warriors from positions of power. Every Idahoan will have an equal voice in choosing their leaders.

OPINION: No room for differences on Memorial Day

The last Monday in May has been established by Congress as Memorial Day, the day to remember, honor and mourn the Americans who have died in the country’s wars. We should all put aside our differences on May 27 to thank those who gave their last full measure to protect America’s “government of the people, by the people and for the people” as President Abraham Lincoln described it.

OPINION: Your vote could quiet the chaos crowd

Had enough of the culture warriors? Replace them with problem-solving Republicans

OPINION: How to tell who's a real conservative

See who most closely follows state, federal constitutions

OPINION: Say goodbye to dirty primary campaigns

Open Primary Initiative will clean up the mess

OPINION: Morality police won this round

But this book is far from over

OPINION: Idaho Constitution took hits this session

Many legislators bear blame

OPINION: Will Labrador stand up for his anti-abortion supporters?

Attorney General has rare chance to shine - or falter - before nation's High Court

OPINION: Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s

How Christ viewed separation of church and state

OPINION: Labrador's dereliction of duty impairs Legislature

Refusal to produce written advice is for political self-preservation

OPINION: This bill is a referendum slayer

Oppose HB 652

OPINION: Attorney General Labrador has no business meddling in election security

House Bill 470 would create an “Office of Election Crimes and Security” in Raul Labrador’s office. That would certainly be a waste of taxpayer dollars. The office staff would have little to do because Idaho elections have historically been fair and honest. The Attorney General’s sidekick, Dorothy Moon, who now chairs the extremist branch of the GOP, was never able to prove her wild claims that Canadians were coming over the border to vote in Idaho elections. The fraud claims of their friend, the My Pillow guy, were proven false. Where is the need for this new office?

OPINION: The school facilities bill is the right thing, done in the wrong way

The Idaho Supreme Court ruled in 2005 that the Legislature has the constitutional duty to provide for the construction and maintenance of safe public schools for Idaho children. The state has the primary responsibility for school facilities, not local property taxpayers. Those of us on the Court expected to see some legislative action to comply with the ruling, but little of substance has been done since then to get the job done.

OPINION: Labrador bets heavily on abortion in his gamble to win higher office

During his first year as Idaho Attorney General, Raul Labrador has placed most of his chips on the abortion issue in his quest for higher office. He has been aided and abetted, free of charge, by Alliance Defending Freedom, a powerful extreme-right legal organization in the nation’s capital that is intent on stamping out any perceived form of abortion across the entire country. ADF played a major role in overturning Roe v. Wade.

OPINION: Property taxpayers will have to foot the bill for the 'school choice' scheme

Every legislative session brings some new “school choice” scheme that is touted as a way to improve elementary and secondary education in Idaho by offering more choices to families. Sometimes the plan is called a voucher, sometimes a stipend, sometimes a grant, sometimes a savings account. This year the scheme is called a “refundable tax credit.” What every plan has in common is the use of taxpayer money to subsidize private schooling, including religious and home schools. Because of the chronic failure of our legislatures in the last several decades to adequately fund public schools, the cost of such schemes will ultimately end up being forced upon local property taxpayers.

OPINION: The extremist branch of Idaho’s GOP is producing a moving experience

Many people have literally been moved by the ugly performance of Idaho’s Republican extremists in recent years. That is, significant numbers of teachers, librarians, doctors and others have moved out of the Gem State to escape the false claims and oppressive legislation conjured by the dysfunctional branch of Idaho’s GOP, now presided over by Dorothy Moon. On the other hand, that same wretched conduct has caused like-minded folk from across the country to move to our state, attracted by headlines that portray Idaho as a sanctuary for political zealots of every stripe.

OPINION: Let’s not render Idaho’s domestic terrorism law useless

Idaho’s landmark Terrorist Control Act will be rendered useless by passage of a bill recently introduced in the Idaho Senate.

OPINION: If you pay peanuts for a job, you’re likely to attract monkeys

Judges are the heart of the American system of justice. Faith in our court system depends upon having judges who are competent and impartial. That, in turn, requires thorough vetting of judicial candidates to put the best qualified people on the bench. For over 50 years, Idaho has had procedures in place to ensure the appointment of highly qualified judges at every level of the court system.

OPINION: Moon’s GOP dances to the tune of the Idaho Freedom Foundation

Dorothy Moon’s branch of the Republican Party is so entwined with the inaptly named Idaho Freedom Foundation (IFF) that it is hard to know who is calling the shots. Both are extremely far to the right. Both have sought to divide Idahoans by stoking fear and outrage over fake culture war issues. Neither has shown much interest in working on actual problems facing the state, such as water policy, adequate funding for pre-K through higher education, property taxes, infrastructure and important social programs. The IFF has established a strong grip over many GOP legislators since it came on the scene in 2009. The closing of the GOP primary in 2012 supercharged its efforts to populate the Legislature with extremists and control their votes.

OPINION: Sandra O’Connor was a remarkable Supreme Court Justice

Sandra Day O’Connor, who died on Dec. 1, was an accomplished jurist who demonstrated that women lawyers and judges are every bit as good as men. Although there were very few job openings for women when she graduated with honors from Stanford Law School in 1952, her remarkable example has brought about a dramatic change in the legal profession. Women have not been handed equality in the legal workplace, they have earned it. I won’t say they have achieved full equality, but there has been tremendous progress over the years. O’Connor helped to forge the way.

OPINION: Idaho voters can be trusted to responsibly exercise their initiative rights

It was a bit surprising to read an opinion piece that Representative Lance Clow (R-Twin Falls) has circulated to media outlets around the state, warning Idahoans against signing the Open Primaries Initiative. He accused the supporters of the initiative of having “ulterior motives” with the goal “to give the Idaho Democratic Party an increased opportunity.” If that is the goal, one might be left to wonder why Butch and Lori Otter, former Senator Denton Darrington, former House Speaker Bruce Newcomb, former JFAC co-chair Maxine Bell and a host of other Republicans from across the state have come together to urge approval of the initiative.

OPINION: Senate Pro Tem Chuck Winder has had his fill of incivility in the ranks

Senator Chuck Winder, the leader of Idaho’s Senate, is a good and patient man. I often disagree with him on issues coming before the Senate, but I don’t question his ethics, temperament and dedication to serving the public. He has watched a decline in civility in the ranks of the Senate and recently took action to bring some of the instigators up short. He deserves the support of fellow Senators and of the wider public. Legislative business suffers when there is continual internal sniping among the members.

OPINION: What can individual Idahoans do to honor America’s veterans?

Americans can commemorate Veterans Day twice this year. The official observance is Nov. 11. It dates back to the armistice ending World War I, which went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. It was originally called Armistice Day, but renamed Veterans Day in 1954. Nov. 11 falls on Saturday this year, so the state and federal holiday is observed on Friday, Nov. 10.

OPINION: Bad news keeps coming for the extremist branch of the Republican Party

The past few weeks have not been kind to the Dorothy Moon faction of the Idaho Republican Party, which has taken over party control since the GOP primary was closed in 2012. Reasonable Republicans have chafed at censures handed out for not going along with extremist ideas, the extremist structure has had to deal with the growing popularity of the Open Primaries Initiative (OPI) and the extremists’ newly-elected Attorney General has suffered some remarkable defeats in federal and state courts.

OPINION: What the 2022 Alaska elections can tell us about ranked-choice voting

The Dorothy Moon faction of the Republican Party has enlisted Sarah Palin to speak in Idaho Falls on August 19 about the supposed evils of ranked-choice voting. Palin’s 2022 loss of her statewide race for Congress should provide a ray of hope to the vast number of reasonable, pragmatic Idaho Republicans who feel they have been pushed out of their party by Moon’s narrow, super-committed extremist branch of the GOP. Palin did not lose because of ranked-choice. Rather, she simply fell out of favor with Alaska voters.

OPINION: A law firm should not malign the judge for its own bad lawyering

The publicist for Attorney General Labrador recently maligned federal judge Lynn Winmill for his July 31 decision prohibiting the AG from prosecuting doctors who refer patients to other states for abortion pills and services. Labrador sent an opinion letter to a legislator on March 27, saying that Idaho doctors could be charged with a felony for doing so. For reasons unknown, Labrador withdrew the letter seven days later.

OPINION: An unwelcome primer on Idaho’s one-subject rule for legislative measures

Believe me, the last thing I want to do is drive readers to distraction by delving into an obscure and frequently ignored provision of Idaho’s Constitution. Article 3, section 16 of that revered document says that every legislative act “shall embrace but one subject and matters properly connected therewith.” The one-subject rule also applies to initiatives proposed by the people. It means you can’t combine two or more separate subjects into the same proposal. For example, it would clearly violate the one-subject rule for a bill to set both speed limits and property tax rules.

OPINION: Their hearts belong in the sky. Idahoans can help them soar

When Afghanistan fell to the Taliban in August 2021, Afghan aviators were ordered to fly their aircraft out of the country to keep them from falling into enemy hands. Over 300 pilots flew to surrounding countries, most of them having to leave their families behind. Many of those pilots have been resettled in the U.S., including 14 who now live in Idaho. They have been working multiple jobs in order to support themselves and their families back home. They would do much better if they could put their aviation skills to work.

OPINION: Why file a lawsuit over deceptive initiative titles?

It is said that you can’t judge a book by its cover, which often turns out to be true, but you have to read the book to learn the truth. However, if the cover is the only thing you ever see, it can give you a false impression as to the content of the book. The same thing happens when voters are asked to sign an initiative petition. The titles, which Idaho law requires to be true and impartial, may well influence whether voters will add their signature to the petition or vote for it on election day. Misleading titles can help sink a worthy initiative. That's why Idahoans for Open Primaries (IOP) has filed suit to change the deceptive titles that the Attorney General’s office conjured up for the Open Primaries Initiative.

OPINION: Idahoans must show that the Gem State is too great for hate

Back in the early 1980s, when Idahoans in the Coeur d’Alene area were confronted with a growing number of dangerous hatemongers at the Aryan Nations compound near Hayden, the community swung into action. Father Bill Wassmuth, Tony Stewart, Norm Gissel and many other good people formed the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations to counter the hate group and protect local citizens. The Task Force was able to rid Idaho of the hate group after a contentious struggle lasting more than a decade.

OPINION: Strolling down memory lane to the Stanley Redfish Trail

Two recent news reports brought back memories of a time when important figures of both political parties could work together to achieve important public objectives. In the summer of 1966, Idaho’s two U.S. Senators, Len Jordan (R) and Frank Church (D), were working on the language of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The legislation was intended to protect pristine river stretches from development and degradation, including some on the Salmon and Clearwater Rivers.

OPINION: NIC debacle demonstrates the dangers of extremism

The political extremists who took control of North Idaho College in the 2020 trustee election wasted little time trying to destroy what had been the jewel in Idaho’s community college crown since its founding in 1933. The hostile take-over of NIC’s board of trustees was engineered by Brent Regan and his collection of far-right extremists. They falsely claimed in the election that NIC was run by a bunch of radical liberals who were essentially brainwashing the students. Nothing could have been further from the truth but Regan’s candidates carried the day.

OPINION: Sen. Len Jordan reflected the values of Idaho’s traditional Republicans

Former U.S. Senator Len Jordan served Idaho with distinction from 1962 through 1972. He was a conservative Republican who brought courage and individualism to the Senate. He differed with Idaho’s other Senator, Frank Church, on a number of issues, but they worked together in harmony on issues affecting Idaho. Both were dedicated to safeguarding democracy They had a relationship of mutual trust and respect.

OPINION: Will the Legislature be able to financially starve the courts into submission?

No doubt about it. A large swath of the legislature is still honked off about the Idaho Supreme Court’s 2021 decision overturning a raw legislative power grab. In reaction to voter approval of Reclaim Idaho’s initiative to expand Medicaid coverage, indignant legislators passed a law designed to make it virtually impossible for the people to ever again exercise their constitutional right to legislate. The Supreme Court issued a well-reasoned opinion, affirming the constitutional right of Idahoans to make laws they want when the Legislature stubbornly refuses to act. Legislators have retaliated by denying cost-of-living pay raises for our judges.

OPINION: The Idaho House has voted in favor of sticking its head in the sand

The Idaho Legislature took a bold step to improve the efficiency of state government in 1994. Tired of being blindsided by poorly performing programs, the Legislature established an independent, nonpolitical Office of Performance Evaluations (OPE) to evaluate the effectiveness of governmental operations. The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee (JLOC), with bipartisan membership, directs the work of OPE. It has produced outstanding reports, pointing out governmental deficiencies and suggesting options to address them.

OPINION: What an Idaho school funding lawsuit might look like

It is not inevitable that the Idaho Legislature will invite a school funding lawsuit, but legislators appear at the present time to be heading toward provoking legal action.

OPINION: We can pay respect to our fallen by being better Americans

Memorial Day is a time set aside for Americans to honor and mourn U.S. military personnel who died in service to their country.

OPINION: People should not be discouraged from exercising their lawful rights

We often hear of folks who take advantage of tax breaks that some would view as unfair, but they can’t be faulted if the law specifically provides for the break.

OPINION: The IPTV debates have disclosed the serious candidates

The Idaho Public Television debate among the three Republican candidates for attorney general produced some unsettling takeaways. For one, it appeared that Art Macomber and Raul Labrador were more intent on running against Gov. Brad Little than challenging incumbent Lawrence Wasden.

OPINION: The attorney general debate should worry Gov. Brad Little

The Idaho Public Television debate among the three Republican candidates for attorney general produced some unsettling takeaways. For one, it appeared that Art Macomber and Raul Labrador were more intent on running against Gov. Brad Little than challenging incumbent Lawrence Wasden.

OPINION: Running the state’s largest law firm takes a proven, courageous leader

Raul Labrador recently expressed some crankiness toward me for questioning his understanding of what the Idaho Attorney General’s job duties are. Based on what he says, you would think that the AG just devotes his time to helping extremist lawmakers draft their legislation and signing onto legal briefs written by AGs of other states.

OPINION: Voters will soon have a chance to take Idaho back from the troublemakers

Idaho’s government has been plagued in recent years by many office holders who are more interested in creating chaos and division than serving the public. The so-called Idaho Freedom Foundation (IFF) and its followers have thrived on creating political discord by advancing legislation to address non-existent problems.

OPINION: Idaho Freedom Foundation provides a roadmap to responsible governing

Leaders of the so-called Idaho Freedom Foundation (IFF) have provided voters a handy roadmap to responsible government. Doyle Beck and Bryan Smith both serve on IFF’s board of directors. They are also instrumental in running the Bonneville County Republican Central Committee (BCRCC), which was recently called out by the State GOP Chairman for making improper contributions to candidates competing in the May primary election.

Op-Ed: Lawmakers retaliate against Constitutional truth tellers

Attorney General Lawrence Wasden has accumulated quite a cadre of political enemies in the Idaho Legislature for giving honest, accurate legal advice on legislative bills that contain fatal constitutional flaws.

Op-Ed: Many lawmakers retaliate against Constitutional truth tellers

Attorney General Lawrence Wasden has accumulated quite a cadre of political enemies in the Idaho Legislature for giving honest, accurate legal advice on legislative bills that contain fatal constitutional flaws.

Op-Ed: How to wreck the Idaho Attorney General’s office

It would not hurt for Attorney General wannabe Raul Labrador to spend a little time learning what the AG does.

Op-Ed: Idaho is once again shamed by its Lieutenant Governor

Lt. Governor Janice McGeachin has again put the national spotlight on Idaho.

Op-Ed: Legislators failing constitutional duty with schools

Sometimes you wonder if certain members of the Idaho Legislature have even read the Idaho Constitution.

Op-Ed: We should heed George Washington’s warning against partisanship

George Washington, America’s first President and one its greatest, was born on the 22nd of February 290 years ago.

Op-Ed: Take Back Idaho is a lifeline to those yearning for responsible governing

Idaho’s primary election day, May 17, may provide cause for great celebration for the many Idahoans who are sick and tired of the ugly politics that have invaded our great State in recent years.

Op-Ed: Idaho should not let big property managers victimize hard-pressed renters

The Idaho House of Representatives has handed large property owners and managers a significant victory that will come back to bite many hard-pressed residential renters.

Op-Ed: Some statewide candidates come into better focus and it ain’t pretty

As the primary election approaches, we have gotten a better picture of some of the Republicans running for statewide office.

Op-Ed: Freedom Foundation politicians are gunning for Idaho public schools

The Idaho Freedom Foundation (IFF), an extremist political outfit that draws dark money support, is dedicated to getting rid of public schools in Idaho.

Op-Ed: Our legislators should take a budgeting lesson from struggling families

Even before they blew into Boise for the 2022 legislative session, Idaho legislators were rhapsodizing about the gigantic tax cuts they were going to bestow upon their voters — $350 million, $400 million, $600 million, the sky’s the limit in an election year.

Op-Ed: The Legislature is violating its constitutional duty to Idaho’s public schools

Idaho has an historic $1.6 billion revenue surplus, much of which can and should be used to finally satisfy the Legislature's constitutional duty to provide adequate funding for Idaho’s public school system.

Op-Ed: Idaho loses 'a force of nature'

Writer pays tribute to newspaper publisher Hartgen

Op-Ed: Resolving to be civil

It also happens to be the best way to win an argument.

In digital universe, these were 2021's most-read Press articles

This year was not like the others.

Op-Ed: Thanks to America’s medical community for developing life-saving vaccines

If we were not still in the grip of a deadly pandemic, with the seven-day average death toll from the coronavirus hovering just over 1,100 a day, I probably would not have thought of giving thanks this year for the medical researchers who have given this country protection against many life-threatening illnesses.

Op-Ed: What we learned from the ill-fated special legislative session

As legislators departed the Capitol following their tumultuous and unconstitutional special legislative session, many Idahoans wondered: “What’s up with that?”

Op-Ed: GOP leadership test drives full-time Legislature

Make no mistake about it, the reconvening of the 2021 legislative session is a test to see whether the Idaho Legislature can get away with meeting throughout the year, without having to amend the Idaho Constitution.

Op-Ed: A cradle-to-grave Supreme Court does not serve the public interest

There are a number of problems with the present-day structure of the U.S. Supreme Court, but the number of seats is not one of them.

Op-Ed: Proof of massive election fraud finally emerges

But the proof won't make deniers of 2020 results happy.

Op-Ed: Law applies to these candidates, too

Macomber, McGeachin ignored AG's advice and now are paying for it.

Op-Ed: Idaho’s former Chief Justice Burdick has not slowed in retirement

Many Idaho court watchers figured the former Chief Justice of the Idaho Supreme Court, Roger Burdick, would slow down to smell the roses when he retired at the end of June.

Op-Ed: Biden’s 'most egregious and tyrannical' action

A convergence of three unsettling headlines appeared for my morning reading the day before the nation observed the 20-year commemoration of the tragic deaths of almost 3,000 Americans on Sept. 11, 2001.

Op-Ed: Can Idaho doctors be disciplined for spreading COVID misinformation?

Dr. Ryan Cole of Boise has been accused of spreading misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines, discouraging life-saving vaccinations and touting unproven remedies for the virus.

Op-Ed: Another third-to-half a million of public money down the drain

The Idaho Supreme Court delivered a resounding blow for democracy of, by and for the people on Aug. 23, declaring the Legislature’s bill to throttle the initiative and referendum to be unconstitutional.

Op-Ed: The fall of coronavirus in Idaho: Once more unto the breach!

The valiant struggle of today’s healthcare workers against the coronavirus hearkens back to one of the toughest enemies George Washington faced while fighting for American independence: Variola, the smallpox virus.

Legislative measures to hamstring the Governor are ill advised

When the Legislature blew into town last January, there was lots

Former Senator Len Jordan stood up to a vindictive President

Senator Len Jordan, who served in the U.S. Senate from 1962 to 1972, was a rugged individualist who used his own brain and moral compass in representing the State of Idaho. Unlike our current office holders, Jordan was unafraid to stand up to a president who abused his power.