Idaho Politics - Special coverage at The Spokesman-Review

Opinion > Column

Eye on Boise: Summit eyes elevating civility in Idaho’s public discourse

Sun., Aug. 7, 2016

The “Idaho Civility Summit” wrapped up on a positive note last week, with participants including elected officials, civic leaders and members of the press backing several moves to enhance civil discourse in the state, from education and training in the schools to a possible civility pledge to formation of more City Clubs around the state.

News > ID Government

Vacation time…

Fri., Aug. 5, 2016

Vacation time...

News > ID Government

Idaho official says he won’t seek repayment on void contract

Fri., Aug. 5, 2016

The Idaho state official in charge of a voided $60 million statewide school broadband contract says he won't try to recover the money paid out under the illegal deal despite direction from Idaho's highest court. Idaho Department of Administration Director Robert Geddes informed Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden of his decision in a letter...

News > Idaho

Lawmakers scrutinize Idaho’s religious exemption that protects rights of religious sect amid high child death rates

Thu., Aug. 4, 2016

Idaho’s religious exemption from charges of child abuse, neglect, child injury and manslaughter, passed in the 1970s to accommodate faith-healing groups, came under close scrutiny at a legislative hearing Thursday.

News > ID Government

Labrador on news sources, Social Security, and who squashes whom…

Wed., Aug. 3, 2016

A few tidbits from 1st District GOP Congressman Raul Labrador’s appearance in Eagle today: When a constituent told Labrador, a tea party conservative, that she never watches Fox News, Labrador responded, “I actually watch CNN more than any other, because I don’t want one side...

News > ID Government

Owner of Eagle cafe where Labrador spoke once ran for seat he holds now

Wed., Aug. 3, 2016

Interestingly, the Eagle café where GOP Rep. Raul Labrador met with an overflow crowd of constituents today, Wild West Bakery & Espresso, is owned by a former Democratic candidate for the same congressional seat the Labrador holds today. Naomi Preston, who also is a champion...

News > ID Government

Labrador: Refugee concern is about safety, not religion

Wed., Aug. 3, 2016

A constituent wearing a “Promise Keepers” shirt questioned Rep. Raul Labrador today about allowing Muslim refugees into the United States, saying he read the Koran after the 9/11 attacks, and then quoting extensively from it, including, “Slay the idolaters wherever you find them.” Labrador had this...

News > ID Government

Labrador blames ‘establishment in Washington’ for ally Huelskamp’s loss in Kansas GOP primary

Wed., Aug. 3, 2016

Idaho Congressman Raul Labrador today blamed the “establishment in Washington” for the defeat of his ally and fellow Freedom Caucus member Tim Huelskamp, who lost his re-election bid in a Republican primary in Kansas yesterday. Labrador, speaking at a “Conversations with the Congressman” meeting at...

News > ID Government

Idaho Civility Summit wraps up with hopes of elevating Idaho’s public discourse

Tue., Aug. 2, 2016

The Idaho Civility Summit wrapped up on a positive note today, with participants including elected officials, civic leaders and members of the press backing several moves to enhance civil discourse in the state, from education and training in the schools to formation of more City Clubs around the state...

News > ID Government

Labrador’s finances, luring tourists, longitudinal data on Idaho college grads…

Sun., July 31, 2016

My Sunday column examines Idaho Rep. Raul Labrador's ranking as the sixth-poorest member of Congress, based on his federal financial disclosures; the latest lure Idaho's trying to entice tourists - virtual reality videos; and new data on Idaho college grads...