Party platform allegiance called into question by some Bonneville Republicans

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - Platform enforcement hearings were held Tuesday evening by Bonneville County's Legislative District 32.

A Special Investigative Committee convened by Precinct Committee Officers with the Bonneville County Republican Central Committee allege three Republican lawmakers violated the Republican Party Platform.

State Senator Kevin Cook, Representative Wendy Horman, and Representative Stephanie Mickelson are the law makers in question. It's not about the law makers personally, says Barbara Miller, Chairwoman of the Special Investigative Committee.

"It is not. Is she a good or bad legislator? Does she represent her voters in a broad sense? That is not the issue. The issue is the veracity of the assertion made that she would support the Republican platform," said Miller, addressing allegations against Representative Stephanie Mickelsen.

Not everyone at the meeting agreed with the purpose of the Special Investigative Committee.

"Words are hurtful, and we should use this committee to promote the values of the brand. We need to be members rather than having some kind of kangaroo court trial that puts people on notice for violations to an art to expert witness and testimony that you weren't part of," said Russell Brand, commenting in the public opinion forum at the meeting.

While the allegations against each lawmaker vary, the Committee for Legislative District 32 says many of the violations were made int he 2023 Legislative session. For example, the Committee says Represenattive Wendy Horman voted to appropriate funding to universities that allow students to staff Planned Parenthood clinics.

Special Investigative Committee Member John Jensen has a response to the "kangaroo court" accusations.

"If you have many good ideas, perhaps you can share them with us rather than come in and and call us on the carpet for a process that no one else has ever done."

The Committee tabled their vote on whether law makers violated the platform until next week, when they will reconvene.

The lawmakers in question did not attend the hearings.

They are holding a Town Hall meeting tomorrow night, along with three other Idaho Falls area legislators that are also under investigation for allegedly violating the Republican Party Platform.

It will be held at the College of Eastern Idaho a 7PM, in room 150 of Building 6.

Local News 8 will reach out to the law makers for comment.