Critics of Idaho's conservative Republican elected leaders love to point to the state's Constitutional Defense Fund and the money it has paid out after lost legal battles as a sign that the Legislature and governor's office are out of touch and are wasting taxpayer money. Out of touch? At times, sure. But a waste of money? Not necessarily. Gem State lawmakers have a penchant for picking fights with the federal government over what they like to refer to as “state sovereignty.” Many of those fights never make it to the actual courtroom because they take the form of toothless resolutions or legislation so poorly worded it's hard to take seriously/Idaho Press Tribune Editorial Board. More here.