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Lack of ethics costs Idaho plenty

Three years ago, the Center for Public Integrity raised a lot of red flags about corruption in Idaho. It graded the state at D-minus and it would have been worse if not for:

  • The voters, who in 1974 opened up campaign finance and lobbyist activity to public disclosure through the Sunshine Law initiative.
  • The founders, who used the state constitution to keep state budget-writing before the prying eyes of the public.
  • The courts, which guaranteed Idahoans access to public records.

Meanwhile, Idaho’s elected officials have bequeathed such a bubbling stew of ethical lapses that the Center gives their handiwork some of lowest rankings in the United States.

Only three states — including Idaho — say you can’t find out how people in elected office make their money. Is a legislator acting on behalf of your best interest or his? You’ll never know/ Marty Trillhaase , Lewiston Tribune. More here.

* This story was originally published as a post from the blog "Huckleberries Online." Read all stories from this blog