Scorecard: Private property rights
Here's another scorecard and commentary from Republican Sandy Patano of North Idaho PAC. It was published in the Coeur d'Alene Press today:
The issue of taking Federal Lands and transferring ownership to the states is one that certain politicians seem keen to capitalize on as a cure-all for various woes related to state sovereignty. However, history and reality are significant barriers to many of the ideas related to such notions. Many readers may have seen recent reports about the standoff in Oregon at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. A man tragically lost his life in the conflict, and with the introduction of HB 586 this past legislative session, a certain faction in the Idaho legislature is seeking to bring this issue to our state. The issue of federally owned lands is subject to three distinct realities. Proponents of HB 586 essentially argue for “taking Idaho land back” from the federal government. They are critical of Republicans not joining other western states in pushing state annexation of federally owned lands. In reality, Idaho cannot “take back” what was never ours. More here.