You're not entitled to know how a legislator earns his living. So you're never completely sure whether he's acting in your best interests - or his.

Idaho has no independent ethics commission watchdogging legislative misbehavior. The politicians police themselves.

You're locked out of the House and Senate caucus meetings - where the real action often occurs.

The Open Meetings Law does not apply to the Legislature. Your access to committee meetings is a matter of privilege, not right.

One tool you have is Idaho's Public Records Act. Under it, public officials - including legislators - must hand over email and other communications upon request.

That opens a window on bills legislators are considering and who they're consulting. More here.