RELEASE: Ada County Republicans Condemn Yard Sign Theft, Criticize KTVB Coverage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 1, 2026
CONTACT: [email protected]

BOISE, ID — KTVB recently aired a piece covering theft of yard signs for one particular Democrat candidate. The Ada County Republicans unequivocally condemn this illegal behavior. As Republicans, we know the pain and frustration of having our signs continually stolen and/or defaced. In the 2024 election cycle, we were able to work with law enforcement on this issue, and the result was convictions for the Democrat operatives who had broken the law.

This pattern of theft/defacement of our signs has continued with this present election cycle. As we have done in past election cycles, we will continue to work with law enforcement by providing the videographic and geo-locating evidence for signs that go missing. We believe that the rule of law is important and we encourage all political activists from every side to respect the law.

In a related issue, we have had several reports of volunteers for the Berch campaign placing yard signs on private property where they were not given permission to do so. This is also a violation of laws and decorum. We encourage respectful campaign practices by everyone.

We invite Mr. Berch to join us in condemning all theft, vandalism, and unauthorized removal of campaign signs, as well as unauthorized placement on private property. We stand ready to issue a joint statement with Representative Berch and the Democrats calling on all activists and campaign operatives to conduct a respectful campaign.

While it was unsurprising, it was still disheartening that KTVB neglected journalistic integrity and presented a very one-sided story. KTVB once held the highest respect and trust of Treasure Valley residents. It appears that they have abandoned the principles that made them great. They deceptively claimed there was no comment from the Republican party but it was apparent that they made no good faith effort to contact party leadership. Our Ada County Republican chairman, Thad Butterworth, stated, “It appears that KTVB sent an email to one address in the state office without giving enough time for the state office to respond. I know they have my phone number from previous contact and they could have easily called me. Had they done so, they would have understood that sign theft and vandalism is an issue for all sides.”

We in the Republican Party are working hard to keep Idaho an incredible place to live. We invite Democrats to join us in that mission by ensuring that all campaigns are conducted honestly and with integrity. And we invite the media to join us by upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity.

An honest press is essential to preserving the freedom and greatness of both Idaho and our nation. We call on KTVB management to restore journalistic integrity by ensuring their reporters present both sides of every issue.

About Ada County Republican Central Committee

The mission of the Ada County Republican Central Committee is to promote the Republican Platform, build and strengthen the Republican Party from the grassroots up, and elect Republican candidates.

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