By Idaho GOP Chairwoman Dorothy Moon
Every two years, the Idaho GOP grassroots come together in one of our state’s great cities to ratify a platform. That platform reflects the zeitgeist of the grassroots—a continuing commitment to defending faith, family, and freedom in a rapidly changing world.
Idaho GOP rules require that I invite all federal, statewide, and legislative candidates in the Republican primary to sign on to the platform or indicate any points on which they disagree. Far from being a top-down control mechanism, as some detractors have claimed, this is about transparency for voters. After all, Republican voters should expect their primary candidates to be Republicans.
My office takes calls nearly every day from voters asking about this candidate or that one. While some county committees have chosen to endorse primary candidates, the state party’s goal is to provide information that helps voters make informed choices. Our Integrity in Affiliation page lists responses to the platform from more than one hundred Republican primary candidates, noting any exceptions they took, as well as those who chose not to respond at all.
All of that is valuable information for voters. The purpose of Integrity in Affiliation is to start conversations. If you’re a Republican voter, take a look at where your candidates stand, then give them a call. It’s up to you to decide whether your Republican primary candidate has exemplified true Republican values and will carry them out if elected.
The Idaho GOP also has a voter guide available on our website, idgop.org. The state party does not editorialize, use scorecards, or make endorsements. We sent every federal, statewide, and legislative candidate a questionnaire asking for a photo, a biography, their top three issues, and contact information.
If you can’t find your local candidate in the voter guide, give them a call and remind them to return the questionnaire.
This is a service to Republican voters across Idaho. Despite the fact that in many parts of our state the primary is the real election, turnout often remains too low. I want to see as many Republican voters as possible head to the polls on May 19 and make informed choices about who should represent us in Boise, in Washington, D.C., and in our executive branch offices.
Campaigns can get dirty, as you well know. PACs, C4s, and other organizations bury you in mailers, text messages, television and radio ads, and social media posts—all trying to push you in one direction or another. The Idaho GOP gives you a resource before you make your decision. As one state senator put it, the R next to each candidate’s name doesn’t just stand for Republican, but also for research. Do your homework, talk to your candidates, and make the right decision.
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.
