Idaho Department of Commerce Director Don Dietrich (pictured) is resigning from his post effective Sept. 2. Dietrich, a former executive with Aspen Technology and Cargill Inc., said he plans to return to the private sector. He's also been a lightning rod as rumors have circulated that Gov. Butch Otter's “Project 60” trade-building initiative is really a plot to sell Idaho's sovereignty to China; the John Birch Society has been pushing the theory and using quotes from Dietrich about trade with China. The furor even spread to the Idaho Republican Party's Central Committee, which passed a “China Beachhead” resolution last month calling on the Legislature to look into it/Betsy Russell, Eye On Boise. More here.

• Kevin Richert/Statesman weighs in on resignation here

Question: What role did paranoia over China investment in Idaho play in this resignation?