Idaho lawmakers divvy up coveted committee seats

Idaho lawmakers have gathered in Boise to determine who will sit in the most coveted spots in the Statehouse.

Committee chairmen wield tremendous influence in setting the tone of legislative sessions because they control the fate of most legislative proposals that come across their desk. The positions are determined every two years.

On Thursday, legislative leaders announced that Sen. Jeff Siddoway, a Republican from Terreton, will take over Senate State Affairs Committee – one of the most high-profile committees because it votes on the most contentious bills.

Yet the move meant Siddoway will give up his three-year tenure as chairman of the equally influential Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee. Instead, that post will go to Sen. Dan Johnson, a Republican from Lewiston.

Over in the House, Rep. Julie VanOrden, a Republican from Pingree, will lead the House Education Committee.