Freshmen legislators supported the exchange: The (House Health & Welfare) committee is heavy with new members, who all voted in support of the new bill. Rep. Luke Malek said he appreciated Gov. Butch Otter's thankless work" on the issue.  "I know there’s been pressure from across the state and across the nation to say we need to do what other states are doing, but the reality is we need to do what Idaho needs to do. … We’re not going to take control of our sovereignty by rolling over and letting the federal government take control of our health care here in Idaho.”- Malek. For full story, click here. (H/T: Kestrel West Morning Memo)

Question: Will Rep. Luke Malek emerge as a player in the Idaho Legislature? Or has he forever incurred the wrath of the grumpy old men and women controlling the Kootenai County GOP?