By Rep. Heather Scott | Originally published on Substack
Across Idaho, something unusual has been happening in the May primary election for Republicans.
Democrats know they cannot win any general elections in most parts of Idaho, especially North Idaho, if they have a “D” behind their name. So instead of running openly as Democrats, many are now re-registered as Republicans and attempting to blend in as “conservative” voters and candidates in order to deceive Idahoans. Their goal is to pretend to be something they are not, in order to fool voters with fake conservative campaigns, websites and mailers.
At the same time, new political left leaning groups with lack luster names like “North Idaho Republicans (NIR)” have sprung up with slate cards touting “Konservative” candidates, (the same fake used in imitation krab meat) claiming to represent “Republican values.” Their mailers often feature photos of President Trump, conservative legislators, American flags, and patriotic slogans. But buried inside those endorsements are candidates who support liberal policies that do not reflect the values of most Idaho Republicans.
Voters should look beyond the branding and carefully research the candidates themselves.
In Coeur d’Alene and throughout North Idaho, families moved here because they value freedom, limited government, safe communities, and traditional conservative principles. Many citizens understand that strong Republican legislators are essential to keeping Idaho from becoming more like Boise, Seattle, or Portland politically and culturally.
Representative Elaine Price (District 4) has consistently fought in the legislature for those conservative Idaho values that the majority of Idahoans (whether longtime residents or new transplants) seek and support. Her record reflects the priorities many North Idaho Republicans care about most: protecting liberties, supporting families, defending election integrity, and keeping government accountable and operating within its limited functions.
By contrast, concerns have been raised about her “Konservative” opponent’s public support for positions that many real Republicans strongly oppose. These positions include open support for the Biden/Harris presidency; open support for heavy handed government response to COVID mandates; strong connections with pro-illegal immigration lobbying interests; and ties to the FBI’s 1992 Ruby Ridge standoff debacle.
These are not positions of the majority of Idaho Republicans, and when voter’s feel tricked, politics can get nasty, especially on social media.
This election is about more than one race. It is about whether Idaho voters will carefully examine candidates or allow political rebranding and glossy mailers to disguise liberal policies as conservative leadership.
North Idaho voters are smart. They care about their communities, their freedoms, and the future of Idaho.
On May 19th, remember to look past the labels and vote smart for proven conservative leadership and real conservative legislators like Elaine Price in District 4B.
In Liberty,
Rep. Heather Scott
About Heather Scott
Heather Scott currently represents the 2nd Legislative District in the Idaho House of Representatives, having first been elected in 2014. She also serves as co-chair of the Idaho Freedom Caucus. Visit her website for more information: https://repheatherscott.com/
