State of Idaho Archives: on Government Reform
Brad Little:
Term limits for governor but not state reps
Q: Do you support limiting the number of terms for Idaho governors?A: Yes.
Q: Do you support limiting the number of terms for Idaho state senators and representatives?
A: No.
Q: Do you support limiting contributions to state legislative and gubernatorial candidates?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support imposing spending limits on state level political campaigns?
A: No.
Q: Do you support adopting statewide standards for counting, verifying and ensuring accuracy of votes?
A: Yes.
Q:
Do you support prohibiting the reporting of media exit polling results until all polling locations in Idaho are closed?
A: Undecided.
Source: 2004 Idaho Congressional National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2004
Brad Little:
Revoke two regulations for every new regulation implemented
Late last year, I finalized a report that outlined the scope of occupational licensing in Idaho and provided key recommendations.
My first executive order as Governor will put in place two of those recommendations: sunrise and sunset processes for future occupational licensing laws.
To reduce overall regulatory burdens on our citizens and businesses, I will issue another executive order requiring state agencies to revoke two regulations for every new regulation they want to implement.
This commitment to cutting red tape will ensure we are governing with the lightest possible hand.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Idaho legislature
Jan 7, 2019
Brad Little:
Idaho now the least-regulated state in the nation
Just last month, I was joined by many of you in announcing Idaho surpassed South Dakota, and we are now the least-regulated state in the nation. Together, we cut and simplified 75% of all regulations in less than a year. How did we achieve the largest
regulatory cuts in Idaho history?I issued two executive orders aimed at scaling back and streamlining Idaho's administrative code. And the Legislature made it possible for us to examine the entirety of our administrative code in one sweeping step.
Source: 2020 Idaho State of the State address
Jan 6, 2020
Brad Little:
Budget reset for all state entities except public education
Idaho has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. But nationally and internationally, the pace of economic growth is expected to slow. Last fall, I asked all state entities that receive General Funds to undergo a spending reset--except my highest
priority area, public education.The time to prepare for a potential downturn is now, when times are good. The spending reset also forces a closer examination of spending. We cannot lose our focus on the taxpayer.
Source: 2020 Idaho State of the State address
Jan 6, 2020
Brad Little:
Idaho is now the least regulated state in the nation
A robust economy cannot exist with burdensome regulations on citizens and business. Part of the reason Idaho's economy is catapulting ahead of other states is because of the regulatory rollbacks we achieved. Together, the Legislature and our
administration achieved historic regulatory cuts, making Idaho the least regulated state in the nation. The people of Idaho can be assured that their Governor & legislators will maintain a lean and efficient system of regulations in Idaho moving forward.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 11, 2021
Brad Little:
We have cut or simplified 95% of Idaho regulations
While D.C. continues to crank out onerous new regulations, we took an axe to Idaho's regulations for three straight years, and we continue to widen our lead as the least regulated state in the nation. In fact, since I took office three years ago, we
have cut or simplified 95% of Idaho regulations. And now, through our Zero-Based Regulation initiative, this year we aim to cut or simplify another 20% of what remains, removing rocks from the shoes of small businesses.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 10, 2022
Brad Little:
Proactive integrity audits to enhance election transparency
I am proposing $12 million to establish the new Cyber Response and Defense Fund to ensure the state is prepared to respond to any cyber-attack from bad actors in China, Russia, or elsewhere.
I'm also pushing for proactive integrity audits to enhance transparency and confidence in our elections here in Idaho. We must make election integrity a priority, to give our citizens confidence that their vote matters.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 10, 2022
Butch Otter:
Require photo ID to vote
Legislative Summary: H 496: Requiring Photo Identification to Vote: All voters shall be required to provide personal identification before voting at the polls or at absent electors polling places. The personal identification that
may be presented shall be one of the following: - An Idaho driver's license;
- A passport or photo ID issued by an agency of the US government or tribal government;
- A current student photo ID card, issued by a high school or an accredited
institution of higher education,
If a voter is not able to present personal identification, the voter may complete an affidavit in lieu of the personal identification. The voter shall sign the affidavit. Any person who knowingly provides false,
erroneous or inaccurate information on such affidavit shall be guilty of a felony.Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 27-6-2 on March 24; passed House 64-6-0 on March 1; signed by Gov. Otter on April 8.
Source: Idaho legislative voting records: H 496
Apr 8, 2010
David Roth:
Leaders should look for solutions not votes
Q: What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?A: I believe Americans face real problems everyday which require real solutions.
- We need to focus on the needs
of everyday Idahoans.
- Leaders should look for solutions not votes.
Q: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
A: I am particularly interested in education, healthcare, the opioid crisis, immigration and agriculture.
Source: Ballotpedia on 2022 Idaho Senate race
May 22, 2022
Ed Humphreys:
Volunteer Idaho State Director for U.S. Term Limits
One of my clients pushed me to participate in the Republican Party because of my outspoken Constitutional Conservative philosophy. That was only 2 short years ago. In that time, I've been blessed to be selected as a Delegate for Donald J. Trump at the
Republican National Convention, become the volunteer Idaho State Director for U.S. Term Limits, attend Turning Point USA's Winter Gala at Mar-a-Lago, and serve as both a Precinct Committeeman and Region IV Chairman for the Idaho Republican Party.
Source: 2021 ID Gubernatorial campaign website EdForIdaho.com
Oct 4, 2021
Ed Humphreys:
Investigate clear evidence of fraud in 2020 election
- Ban "ballot harvesting"
- Waive fees for Photo ID for individuals with severe financial hardship
- Legislature maintains legal standing over elections
- Strengthen citizenship verification procedures
- Restrict private drop boxes
- Verify
the accuracy of voter registration lists
- Ensure voting tabulators have no "back door" connections to internet
- Investigate clear evidence of election fraud in the 2020 election
- Establish post-election audit requirements for future elections.
Source: 2021 ID Gubernatorial campaign website EdForIdaho.com
Oct 4, 2021
Janice McGeachin:
Support election integrity that protect our republic
After the last election, when our Governor and Attorney General failed to do so, your Lieutenant Governor, along with a number of Idaho lawmakers concerned about state sovereignty, successfully filed an
Amicus Brief in support of every state's obligation to maintain a republican form of government as called for in the U.S. Constitution. We will continue to support election integrity efforts that strengthen and protect our republic.
Source: 2021 ID Senate campaign website JaniceForIdaho.com
Aug 25, 2021
Janice McGeachin:
Require photo ID to vote
Legislative Summary: H 496: Requiring Photo Identification to Vote: All voters shall be required to provide personal identification before voting at the polls or at absent electors polling places.The personal identification that may be
presented shall be one of the following:- An Idaho driver's license;
- A passport or photo ID issued by an agency of the US government or tribal government;
- A current student photo ID card, issued by a high school or an accredited institution
of higher education,
If a voter is not able to present personal identification, the voter may complete an affidavit in lieu of the personal identification. The voter shall sign the affidavit. Any person who knowingly provides false, erroneous or
inaccurate information on such affidavit shall be guilty of a felony.Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 27-6-2 on March 24; passed House 64-6-0 on March 1; Rep. McGeachin voted YEA; signed by Gov. Otter on April 8.
Source: Idaho Legislative voting records on H 496
Apr 8, 2010
Jerry Sturgill:
Sick of career politicians staying in office forever
Sturgill presents himself as a political outsider, unlike Crapo. "I'm sick of career politicians staying in office forever," Sturgill said. Sturgill has worked for years in the financial services industry, specializing in overseeing mergers and
acquisitions involving small-and medium-sized companies. He has also served as the CEO of a regional armored transportation company. Before going into business, Sturgill worked as a raft guide on some of Idaho's most famous waters.
Source: Post-Register coverage of 2016 Idaho Senate race
Jul 1, 2016
Jim Risch:
Gridlock results from two very different party philosophies
Asked how to end the gridlock in Washington, D.C., Mitchell said, "The way we get beyond it is by electing different types of people to go back to Washington. The seniority system in the Senate might be part of the problem, because we here in
Idaho did not elect Mitch McConnell, nor did we elect Harry Reid."Risch countered, "The gridlock in Washington, D.C. is caused by the two very different philosophies of the parties and the people who are elected to the United States Senate.
They reflect a very different view of what America is and should be. That is what has caused the gridlock today. When you stand up and start talking about spending less in
Washington, D.C., they look at you like you've got three heads."
Source: Spokesman-Review on 2014 Idaho Senate debate
Oct 8, 2014
Michael Crapo:
Excessive government regulation is an unnecessary drain
Excessive government regulation is an unnecessary drain on our economy that impedes our nation's growth and costs jobs. I have been a consistent champion of Idaho's farmers and ranchers in standing up against regulations that hurt agriculture
imposed by the Obama Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency. I will continue to advocate for eliminating unreasonable federal regulation that hinders the ability of businesses to expand and succeed.
Source: 2021 Idaho Senate campaign website CrapoForSenate.com
Jun 16, 2021
Nels Mitchell:
No junkets; no gridlock; promises one term only
Noting that Risch has held public office for almost 40 years, Mitchell said the Founding Fathers never envisioned career politicians running Washington."They conceived of a Senate in which citizen legislators would step forward to serve their country
for a limited time before returning to their private lives." Mitchell said. "For that reason, I will run for one term and one term only."
"I am not a politician. I have had a successful career, and it is now my turn to step up," Mitchell said. "Six
years is a long time. During that time, I will work as hard as I possibly can to represent Idaho and its people. I will be beholden to nobody but the people of Idaho."
Mitchell said the gridlock in Washington can be addressed. "I do not believe, as
Sen. Risch does, that it's impossible to accomplish anything in the Senate," he said. "If that's the case, why do we pay him? I commit to you that I won't make excuses and I won't take junkets. No excuses, no junkets, period."
Source: 2014 Idaho Senate campaign website, NelsMitchellForIdaho.com
Jan 14, 2014
Nels Mitchell:
OpEd: Pledging just one six-year term means he's "lame duck"
Mitchell said, "I'm running for Senate to replace a career politician with someone who will demonstrate Idaho values of honesty, responsibility and hard work."Mitchell has pledged if elected to serve just one six-year term, while Risch says he'd
like to serve for "a long, long time" in the Senate. Mitchell was asked in the debate why he'd volunteer to start right out as a "lame duck."
"Six years is a long time," he responded. "You can accomplish a lot," he said, particularly if there's no need to focus on fundraising or the next election.
Risch said, "Everything in the U.S. Senate is based on seniority. I'm very fortunate to
have gotten there when I did," saying his seniority in the 100-member Senate already is nearing "the low 60s or actually into the 50s now."
Source: Spokesman-Review on 2014 Idaho Senate debate
Oct 8, 2014
Paulette Jordan:
She'll fight to stop corporate money silencing honest votes
Idahoans are tired of the imbalanced and unproductive political system they've endured for the past several decades. We're tired of corporate money smothering our honest, democratic votes. Idahoans value the strength of our communities and the
vitality of our land. We're fiercely independent and we find power and dignity in our self-reliance, compassion and fundamental fairness. This is the spirit of Idaho. I have built my life around these values.
Source: Democracy For America 2018 Idaho Governor race Endorsements
Mar 15, 2018
Raul Labrador:
Require photo ID to vote
Legislative Summary: H 496: Requiring Photo Identification to Vote: All voters shall be required to provide personal identification before voting at the polls or at absent electors polling places. The personal identification that
may be presented shall be one of the following: - An Idaho driver's license;
- A passport or photo ID issued by an agency of the US government or tribal government;
- A current student photo ID card, issued by a high school or an accredited
institution of higher education,
If a voter is not able to present personal identification, the voter may complete an affidavit in lieu of the personal identification. The voter shall sign the affidavit. Any person who knowingly provides false,
erroneous or inaccurate information on such affidavit shall be guilty of a felony.Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 27-6-2 on March 24; passed House 64-6-0 on March 1; Rep. Raul Labrador voted YEA; signed by Gov. Otter on April 8.
Source: Idaho legislative voting records: H 496
Apr 8, 2010
Ron DeSantis:
Clean the voter rolls, mails ballots only on request
It is Orwellian doublespeak to invoke the concept of "Voting rights" to mean ballot harvesting, prohibiting voter ID and taxpayer funding of elections. Ballot harvesting has no place in Florida and we need to increase the penalties for those who do it.
We also need to ensure that supervisors clean the voter rolls, that only citizens are registered to vote and that mail ballots only go to those who actually request them before each individual election.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 11, 2022
Russ Fulcher:
Require photo ID to vote
Legislative Summary: H 496: Requiring Photo Identification to Vote: All voters shall be required to provide personal identification before voting at the polls or at absent electors polling places. The personal identification that
may be presented shall be one of the following: - An Idaho driver's license;
- A passport or photo ID issued by an agency of the US government or tribal government;
- A current student photo ID card, issued by a high school or an accredited
institution of higher education,
If a voter is not able to present personal identification, the voter may complete an affidavit in lieu of the personal identification. The voter shall sign the affidavit. Any person who knowingly provides false,
erroneous or inaccurate information on such affidavit shall be guilty of a felony.Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 27-6-2 on March 24; Sen. Russ Fulcher voted YEA; passed House 64-6-0 on March 1; signed by Gov. Otter on April 8.
Source: Idaho legislative voting records: H 496
Apr 8, 2010
Tom Sullivan:
Keep limits on political donations; restrict corporations
Q: Do you support increasing the amount individuals are permitted to contribute to federal campaigns? A: No.
Q: Should Congress regulate indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support removing all contribution limits on federal campaigns?
A: No.
Q: Should candidates for federal office be encouraged to meet voluntary spending limits?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support the line item veto?
A: Yes.
Source: Idaho Congressional 2010 Political Courage Test
Sep 9, 2010
Tommy Ahlquist:
End excessive and burdensome regulation like EPA's
Tommy will fight to rein in the EPA, stop ObamaCare and eliminate burdensome regulations. Obama failed to understand that the proper role of government is to be limited and local. They stifled growth, and they discouraged innovation.
They regulated businesses out of business. Tommy will fight to limit government, get rid of excessive and overreaching regulations and reform our tax code to spur job creation.
Source: 2018 Idaho Gubernatorial website TommyForIdaho.com
Aug 8, 2017
Tommy Ahlquist:
Term limits & campaign disclosure for statewide officials
Responsive, citizen-based leadership is critical to a strong Idaho. When professional politicians spend too much time in office, they lose touch with the realities of what Idaho families and businesses face, and as a result, put the needs of the special
interests in front of the needs of the taxpayer. Limiting executive statewide elected officials to 8 years (two 4-year terms) will help ensure that Idaho has the future we all deserve.Idaho is one of only 2 states that has no disclosure requirements
for elected officials. This reform would require elected officials to disclose their sources of personal income. This is the most basic transparency measure that helps avoid conflicts of interest among elected officials. This reform would require
elected officials in Idaho to disclose the employer and job title for themselves and their spouse, any source of income of more than $5,000. Disclosing this information will fill a gaping hole that has persisted in Idaho's ethics laws for far too long.
Source: 2018 Idaho Gubernatorial campaign website TommyForIdaho.com
Mar 21, 2018
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023