By Idaho GOP Chairwoman Dorothy Moon
Something I’ve noticed in my three and a half years as Idaho GOP chair is that everyone wants to use the party’s resources and infrastructure for their own crusades. At the State Convention in Twin Falls in 2022, when I was first elected, grassroots Republicans were outraged by the way the former chairman had sued precinct committeemen simply because he didn’t like what they were doing at the local level.
As chair, I represent all Idaho Republicans, and I take notice when outside groups start meddling in our state and our communities. Earlier this year, I called out Texas-based Young Americans for Liberty for labeling newly elected legislators “traitors” because they didn’t agree with YAL’s agenda. It was despicable.
Over the last few weeks, I watched a lot of money flow into the Idaho Falls mayoral race. While I had my own personal opinions, I would never use the Idaho GOP to tip the scales. City residents get to choose their own leadership, right?
Apparently, that’s not what a lot of outside groups believe. Take Boise-based Idaho Liberty PAC, which has close connections to Governor Brad Little. In November alone, it spent nearly $30,000 in favor of one mayoral candidate.
Stop and think about that: $30,000 flowing from Boise to Idaho Falls, trying to tell voters who they should choose for mayor.
At least that PAC’s money mostly comes from Idahoans. Another organization, Defend and Protect Idaho, spent nearly $20,000 in the Idaho Falls mayoral race. Despite portraying itself as a “coalition of members of law enforcement and the military, small business owners, faith leaders, farmers and ranchers, and more dedicated to combating political extremism in Idaho,” this PAC receives hundreds of thousands of dollars from left-wing groups across the nation.
Frankly, I’m offended that the chairman, former Ada County Sheriff Gary Raney, not only uses his badge to attack good conservatives but does so with money coming from some of the most left-wing progressive groups in the country, including some funded by George Soros.
Whatever happened to letting the voters decide?
As we head into 2026, with the legislative session, primary election, and ballot initiatives coming up, watch out for organizations like this. If you see “Paid for by Young Americans for Liberty,” “Defend and Protect Idaho,” or “Idaho Liberty PAC,” your spidey senses should be telling you that someone is trying to manipulate you.
Take everything with a grain of salt. Do your own research, talk to candidates yourself, and vote for the one who most reflects your values and principles. Don’t take the word of some PAC from out of town—or even out of state.
About Dorothy Moon
Dorothy Moon was elected to serve as the chairwoman of the Idaho Republican Party in July of 2022, and reelected in 2024. Moon served three terms in the Idaho Legislature as State Representative for District 8. Moon’s career in public service has focused on the advancement of individual liberties and reducing the size and scope of government.
