Democratic leaders question McGeachin Facebook post

Democratic legislative leaders are voicing concern about a now-deleted Facebook posting by Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin. In it, she appears with representatives of a suspected anti-government group.

Assistant Senate Minority Leader, Senator Cherie Buckner-Webb and Minority Caucus Chair Maryanne Jordan issued the following statement:

“Idahoans have always embraced a broad array of philosophies. And it is with respect for that ideological independence that we all serve in the statehouse.
We come here every day committed to free speech and are grateful for the openness in the people’s house.

We are also mindful of our responsibilities as elected officials to hold ourselves to a higher standard; to be thoughtful in our words and behavior.

It is in this spirit of mindfulness that we express our concerns about the picture posted by the Lt. Governor, and our desire to turn this concern into an experience from which we all learn.

We have heard numerous grave concerns overnight and today from constituents who are now fearful of coming to the statehouse. Some have said they will not allow their children to visit. The openness of the statehouse is foundational to our service. Whatever the intention of the post, the impact has resonated negatively across the state.

We stand ready to engage with our colleagues to support an environment that upholds our oath of office and inspires confidence in our citizens.”