Idaho Gov. Butch Otter has issued a “Call to Action,” calling on Idahoans to support his push for a state-based health insurance exchange, rather than ceding to a federally operated exchange.  “Today I submitted legislation to create a state-based health insurance exchange. I learned that your state legislators are hearing from constituents who would rather cede all control to the federal government to make decisions about your health care coverage,” Otter wrote in a newsletter he sent out today; the bold-face emphasis is his.

“It's time for Idahoans to tell their elected officials that they want Idaho to be actively engaged in the decision-making process by taking a seat at the table,” the governor wrote. “The Affordable Care Act requires states to make a decision between a state or federal exchange; and I choose Idaho. But I need your help to ensure Idahoans will continue to be the architects of our own destiny and determine how health care insurance coverage options will look in our state.”

He then laid out “three things you can do to protect Idaho's seat at the table,” including signing a petition, calling legislators and emailing legislators. You can see his full newsletter here.