Trib: Who Yanks Hoffman’s Leash?

Marty Trillhaase/Lewiston Tribune opines that many appointments to the governor’s health care task force make sense. But he wonders why Wayne Hoffman of the Idaho Freedom Foundation is on a second panel that deals with exchanges, something Hoffman vehemently opposes. Trillhaase writes: “Earlier this year, he was instrumental in frustrating Otter’s attempts to launch a state-based exchange. Obviously, the governor is following the adage of keeping one’s friends close and one’s adversaries closer. But what makes Hoffman so special? Sure, he’s a talented fellow. Before he went to work as a press aide to former Congressman Bill Sali, Hoffman was one of Idaho’s brightest government reporters. But he’s not the only one. Hoffman is an ardent libertarian and a skeptic of government. He has no use for Obamacare. But neither does many, if not most, Idaho voters. What sets Hoffman apart is his forum, an organization that in 2010 netted $494,134 after spending about $10,500 on fundraising costs. From that, IFF spent $350,000 — including $81,259 for Hoffman’s salary — promoting its vision of limited government. It ended the year $138,000 ahead.” More here.

Question: Why has Wayne Hoffman become so influential in Idaho politics?