How right-wing emigrants conquered us

Almost three years ago to today, Sierra Crane-Murdoch wrote a definitive article for the Rocky Mountain News, describing how “Right Wing Emigrants Conquered North Idaho.” That article is pertinent today in view of colleague Betsy Russell’s wonderful follow-up report on the impact of the Redoubt Movement on the region:

“To outside observers, it may have appeared that the county swung along with the nation’s political pendulum. American voters leaned right in 2010, awarding Republicans a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. But in Kootenai County, something far more enduring than partisan realignment had tipped the scales. As English put it, the 2010 election marked “the end of an era” — not only politically, but demographically. Conservative newcomers, primarily from Southern California, had helped quadruple the county population since 1970. Allied with conservative North Idahoans, they systematically transformed the local politics.” More here.

Thoughts?