Tuesday’s primary election may be the most important Idaho election in recent memory

Idaho's Capital Sun ^ | 5/17/24 | Rod Gramer

[cotton1706]

Every two years one hears the next election will be one of the most important ever. The truth is every election is important because it determines the laws we live under, how we are taxed, and the kind of society we live in.

But it’s not an overstatement to say that Tuesday’s primary election may be the most important election in recent memory. I say that after following Idaho politics for the past five decades, first as a journalist and now as an advocate for education.

With so much at stake, this election will decide whether we remain stuck in the quagmire of far-right extremism or reverse course to a politics focused more on improving the quality of life for all Idahoans, especially our youngest ones.

In significant ways, this election is unique given the warring factions in the Republican Party: the far-right personified by Chair Dorothy Moon and the self-proclaimed Idaho Freedom Foundation versus the “Main Street Republicans” who represent traditional conservative GOP values like fiscal responsibility, equal opportunity and public education.

It is also unique by the historic amount of money pouring into our state from billionaires and their front organizations. The Dallas-based American Federation for Children has invested $440,000 in the election. The Ohio-based Citizens Alliance has dropped another $390,000. And these are but two of the out-of-state operators influencing our primary election.

Just read what one “strategist” for the American Federation for Children told Idaho Education News about his group’s plans: “If you’re a candidate or lawmaker who opposes school choice – you’re a target.”

[Twotone]

My preference: eliminate all public schools. Provide every family with a homeschooling kit from Hillsdale or WallBuilders.

[Steven Scharf]

I’m assuming the house terms are two years and the Senate 4, with the senate on staggered terms? That would be distinct enough for me. And it makes redistricting easier.

Nope, all 2 year terms.