Idaho Politics Archives

2 former “Speakers” weigh in on GOP face-off

January 27, 2021 11:43 AM News Team

Two prominent Idaho republican leaders are backing Governor Brad Little’s position defending his emergency powers.…

Court rules against Idaho treasurer in office space fight

January 26, 2021 2:22 PM Associated Press

The Idaho Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a lower court ruling ordering the Idaho state treasurer to vacate her offices in the…

Add the Words legislation introduced for 15th time

January 26, 2021 12:39 PM Kaitlin Miklos

Idaho lawmakers are introducing the Add the Words legislation for the 15th…

Local state legislator onboard with push to impeach Idaho governor

January 25, 2021 11:16 PM Todd Kunz, Matthew Cooper

There is a push to impeach Idaho’s…

Resolution to lift limits on gatherings passes Idaho House

January 25, 2021 4:24 PM Associated Press

Legislation to end coronavirus restrictions limiting private and public gatherings to 10 people or fewer has passed the Idaho House and is headed to…

Capitol officer recognized by Congress

January 25, 2021 3:37 PM News Team

Idaho’s two U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R) and Jim Risch (R) are among 33 Senators introducing legislation to award Officer Eugene Goodman the…

Idaho judge’s role change enables Biden to make appointment

January 25, 2021 11:46 AM Associated Press

The retirement of a federal district judge from regular active service will enable President Joe Biden to appoint a new judge for…

Lawmakers asked to approve $3 million for old mine cleanup

January 22, 2021 10:35 AM Associated Press

State environmental officials on Friday asked lawmakers to approve just over $3 million to deal with toxic discharge and a collapsing tunnel at an…

Idaho House OKs plan to let lawmakers call special sessions

January 21, 2021 2:41 PM Associated Press

A constitutional amendment allowing the part-time Idaho Legislature to call itself into a special session has passed the House and is headed to the…

Idaho lawmakers tweak bill in power struggle with governor

January 20, 2021 3:13 PM Associated Press

House lawmakers fine-tuned legislation Wednesday in their power struggle with Republican Gov. Brad Little over emergency declarations stemming from…

Idaho Senate Statement on the 59th Inaugural Ceremony

January 20, 2021 12:12 PM News Team

Idaho Senate Statement on the 59th Inaugural…

Idaho senators warned of possible COVID-19 exposure

January 19, 2021 12:05 PM Associated Press

Lawmakers in the Idaho Senate have been told to monitor their health after a Senate staffer tested positive for COVID-19, but that the Senate will…

Idaho House rejects remote participation amid virus concerns

January 15, 2021 10:10 AM Associated Press

Lawmakers in the House on Friday rejected a request from one of its members to allow her and others to participate remotely due to her being at…

EXPLAINER: The mechanics of the Idaho power struggle

January 15, 2021 2:05 PM Associated Press

Idaho lawmakers in the first week of the legislative session wasted no time initiating a power struggle with Republican Gov. Brad Little that could…

Gov. Little says there are more pressing matters than senate limit on powers

January 13, 2021 4:57 PM Bre Clark

Republican Governor Brad Little said “he had more pressing matters” to deal with when asked about the Idaho Senate’s efforts to limit his emergency…

Mike Simpson releases statement on impeachment

January 13, 2021 3:22 PM News Team

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson released the following statement after voting against the impeachment of President…

Idaho Senate starts effort to wrest power from Gov. Little

January 13, 2021 12:55 PM Associated Press

Idaho senators have joined their House colleagues in introducing legislation seeking to wrest power from the governor on emergency declarations like…

Lawmakers seek to curb Idaho governor’s emergency authority

January 12, 2021 6:27 PM Associated Press

A power struggle between lawmakers and Republican Gov. Brad Little has begun.…

Gov. Little: 2020 like a tornado, but state is strong

January 11, 2021 10:44 AM News Team

Gov. Brad Little on Monday described 2020 like a damaging and deadly tornado, but said Idaho is strong heading into the new year with strong finances…

Bonneville County officials sworn into office

January 11, 2021 12:54 PM Curtis Jackson

Two new leaders were sworn-in as Bonneville County leaders Monday.…

Official: Boise area might gain 1 legislative district

January 11, 2021 10:39 AM Associated Press

Population estimates suggest the Boise metropolitan region will gain another legislative district at the expense of rural Idaho, a state official…

Idaho and Wyoming politicians respond to Capitol riots

January 7, 2021 9:05 AM News Team

Idaho political leaders are beginning to speak out about the assault that happened Wednesday in the Washington D.C. Capitol…

Idaho US Rep. Fulcher says he’ll object to Electoral votes

January 5, 2021 4:16 PM Associated Press

One of Idaho’s four congressmen says he will object to the Electoral College count from some swing states, siding with President Donald Trump and…

Statehouses could prove to be hothouses for virus infection

January 4, 2021 12:48 PM Associated Press

As lawmakers around the U.S. convene this winter to deal with the crisis created by the pandemic, statehouses themselves could prove to be hothouses…

A plea from State Police to be civil during upcoming legislative session

January 2, 2021 1:25 PM News Team

No one wants a repeat of 20-20’s worst moments, including those at the State Capitol. Idaho State Police are making a plea for everyone to remain…

Governor Little speaks on vaccines, upcoming Legislative Session and election

December 18, 2020 2:41 PM Chelsea Briar

Governor Little paid a visit to Southeast Idaho today to “make the point for people to choose to do the right thing” in relation to the…

House leaders at odds over health protocol

December 16, 2020 12:29 PM News Team

Idaho House Speaker Scott Bedke says he will not postpone the 2021 legislative session.…

Idaho’s 4 electors cast votes for Trump and Pence

December 14, 2020 10:12 AM News Team

As laid out by federal law, Idaho’s Electoral College delegates will cast the state’s presidential votes at noon Monday at the Idaho State…

Gov. Little joins with Idaho GOP in supporting Texas lawsuit on election integrity

December 10, 2020 5:34 PM News Team

Governor Brad Little announced Thursday he proudly stands with the Idaho Republican Party in supporting Texas in its efforts to ensure American’s…

Gov. Little holds town hall Tuesday

December 8, 2020 10:42 AM News Team

You can participate in an hour long statewide telephone town hall with Governor Brad Little Tuesday at noon (MDT).…

Malek announces Lt. Gov. candidacy

November 30, 2020 1:46 PM News Team

Idaho attorney Luke Malek has announced he will be a republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor in 2022. …

Election official: Barely a hint of voting fraud in Idaho

November 24, 2020 2:19 PM Associated Press

There was no evidence of widespread election fraud in Idaho during the Nov. 3 election, state election officials…

Gov. Little holds town hall Tuesday

November 10, 2020 9:39 AM News Team

You can participate in an hour long statewide telephone town hall with Governor Brad Little and Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Dave…

ELECTION UPDATES: Biden is 46th president after Pennsylvania win

November 3, 2020 5:19 PM News Team, Associated Press

Democrat Joe Biden has won Pennsylvania, surpassing the 270 electoral vote threshold to take the White House and become the 46th president of the…

New Chief Justice named as Roger Burdick moves to Vice Chief

November 4, 2020 12:55 PM News Team

The Idaho Supreme Court announced Wednesday Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Burdick will be stepping down as Chief Justice at the end of his…

Idaho voters OK amendment setting 35 legislative districts

November 4, 2020 9:38 AM Associated Press

Three members of Idaho’s U.S. congressional delegation kept their seats and voters permanently set the number of Idaho’s legislative districts at…

Republican Jim Risch retains Idaho Senate seat

November 3, 2020 9:11 PM Associated Press

Idaho Republican Sen. Jim Risch has been reelected to Congress, defeating Democrat challenger Paulette…

Fulcher retains Idaho House seat

November 3, 2020 11:10 PM Associated Press

Republican U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher retained his seat in Congress.…

Simpson retains Idaho House seat

November 3, 2020 10:46 PM Associated Press

Republican Mike Simpson wins reelection to U.S. House in Idaho’s 2nd Congressional…

Madison County keeps voter poles busy

November 3, 2020 10:04 PM Ariel Schroeder

A bigger wave of voters than expected hit polling places in Madison…

Secretary of State issues warning about suspicious election day calls

November 3, 2020 3:59 PM News Team

Secretary of State Lawerence Denney is alerting voters about suspicious robocalls warning voters to “stay home, stay safe” on election day.…

Republicans look to maintain both Idaho US House seats

November 3, 2020 9:54 AM Associated Press

Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson has swept aside challenges from within his own party in primaries and then Democratic contenders in general…

Jordan, Risch vie for Idaho’s U.S. Senate seat

November 3, 2020 9:28 AM Associated Press

Democrat Paulette Jordan is no stranger to long shots, occasionally touting her trips to the shooting range during her campaign to unseat U.S. Sen.…

Fourth-graders meet IF Mayor to learn election process

November 2, 2020 5:33 PM Ariel Schroeder

Before Tuesday’s historic elections, there are still lessons to be learned about the political…

Bannock, Bonneville Counties early votes exceed half of 2016 total votes

November 2, 2020 5:42 PM Emma Iannacone

Early voting was encouraged by Idaho state officials all year, in order to keep Election Day polls from becoming super spreaders of the…

How to watch IDGOP’s virtual election night event

November 2, 2020 4:03 PM News Team

The Idaho Republican Party has canceled the in-person election night celebration on…

Officials: Early Idaho voting compensates for fewer polls

November 2, 2020 2:31 PM Associated Press

The number of voting locations across Idaho for Tuesday’s election is down about 15% from usual due to the coronavirus, but a huge surge in early…

$12 million bond for new Chubbuck library up for vote

October 28, 2020 11:02 AM Emma Iannacone

The Portneuf District Library has grown out of the original location and needs a new…

Idaho AG: County ban on political apparel at polls incorrect

October 28, 2020 11:32 AM Associated Press

It is legal to wear T-shirts or buttons supporting candidates or issues to the polls, as long there is no overt politicking done by that person, a…

Paulette Jordan takes picture with supporters at campaign event

Paulette Jordan holds campaign event in Pocatello

October 16, 2020 8:54 AM Cole Sams

After Sen. Jim Risch’s appearance on Tuesday, Paulette Jordan came down to Pocatello this evening for a campaign event at Caldwell…

Sen. Risch (R-ID) takes photo with Bannock County community members

Senator Risch stops in Pocatello on Tuesday

October 14, 2020 9:07 AM Cole Sams

Current Republican U.S. Senator Jim Risch toured the Gate City and visited many groups responsible with the progress made in the community.…

Risch plans full campaign day in Pocatello

October 12, 2020 9:02 AM News Team

Republican Senator Jim Risch plans a full day of re-election campaigning in Pocatello Tuesday. …

Deadline for absentee voter registration October 9

October 9, 2020 9:57 PM Linda Larsen

Today is one of the deadlines for Idaho voters hoping to cast an absentee ballot in the November…

Chubbuck officials urge voters to protect the city

October 8, 2020 1:53 PM News Team

The Mayor and City Council of Chubbuck say they are collectively opposed to any proposal to merge the city with the city of Pocatello.…

Voting nearly impossible for eligible voters behind bars

October 2, 2020 12:25 PM Associated Press

Most of the three-quarters of a million people held in U.S. jails have the right to vote. But many of them are unable to, stymied by misinformation,…

Idaho virus restrictions remain; schools get rapid testing

October 1, 2020 9:00 AM News Team, Associated Press

Idaho will remain in the fourth and final stage of reopening the economy during the coronavirus pandemic for at least another two weeks, Gov. Brad…

Gov. Little to hold statewide town hall Tuesday

September 29, 2020 9:51 AM News Team

Governor Little will host a statewide AARP telephone town hall Tuesday to provide information and answer questions regarding COVID-19 in…

Idaho aims for 1M registered voters in November election

September 23, 2020 11:15 AM Associated Press

Elections officials in Idaho have said they are aiming for a million registered voters in the state this year, many of whom are expected to vote by…

Bonneville County elections office have made changes for this years election

September 23, 2020 10:04 AM Ariel Schroeder

This is shaping up to be a big election year.…

National Voter Registration Day

September 22, 2020 10:48 AM News Team

Today is National Voter Registration Day, created to encourage unregistered, new voters, or people who have changed addresses since the last…

Election 2020: Important dates to know

September 14, 2020 4:47 PM Emma Iannacone

With less than two months until the 2020 election, it’s important to have a plan to vote safely this…

Idaho tax revenues blow past expectations for August

September 8, 2020 4:01 PM Associated Press

Idaho’s state revenues for August blew past predictions for the second consecutive month.…

Jordan makes a campaign stop in Idaho Falls

September 3, 2020 9:14 PM Adrian Luevano

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) – US Senate candidate (D) Paulette Jordan is making her trip across Idaho to campaign for a Senate seat against (R)…

Bonneville County faces a shortage of poll workers

September 3, 2020 10:36 AM Ariel Schroeder

Nationwide, states are facing a shortage of poll workers to assist with elections in November. Some areas in East Idaho are experiencing the hit.…

Idaho senate candidate Paulette Jordan visiting south Idaho

September 2, 2020 5:43 PM Emma Iannacone

During a tour through southern Idaho, Idaho senate candidate Paulette Jordan stopped in Pocatello…

Gov. Little to hold statewide town hall Tuesday

September 1, 2020 9:41 AM News Team

You can participate in an hour long statewide telephone town hall with Governor Brad Little and United States Attorney for Idaho Bart Davis Tuesday…

Idaho governor offers state as potential monument site

August 31, 2020 12:54 PM Associated Press

Gov. Brad Little has responded to President Donald Trump’s call for a “National Garden of American Heroes” by not only suggesting nearly two dozen…

Bundy arrested at Idaho Statehouse for second time in 2 days

August 26, 2020 12:15 PM Associated Press

Anti-government activist Ammon Bundy was arrested Wednesday for the second time in two days at the Idaho…

Idaho lawmakers resume special session to deal with virus

August 26, 2020 10:02 AM Associated Press

Idaho lawmakers meeting in a special session resumed work Wednesday on bills dealing with the coronavirus pandemic following two chaotic days…

UPDATE: Anti-government activist Bundy out of jail after arrest at Idaho Statehouse

August 25, 2020 6:10 PM Kaitlin Miklos

Authorities on Tuesday arrested anti-government activist Ammon Bundy at the Idaho Statehouse after he refused to leave a meeting room where a few…

Idaho lawmakers abandon meeting amid unruly spectators

August 25, 2020 4:17 PM Associated Press

One person was taken into custody Tuesday and lawmakers abandoned the room after spectators at a House committee meeting at the Idaho Statehouse…

Idaho lawmakers start second day of special session on virus

August 25, 2020 9:48 AM Associated Press

Idaho lawmakers on Tuesday started the second day of a special session called by Republican Gov. Brad Little to deal with the coronavirus…

Kanye West qualifies for Idaho presidential ballot

August 25, 2020 3:31 PM Associated Press

Rapper Kanye West has qualified to appear on Idaho’s presidential ballot this November as an independent candidate, the Idaho Secretary of State’s…

Spectators shatter glass door to get into lawmakers’ session

August 24, 2020 12:37 PM Associated Press

Angry spectators who couldn’t get into the Idaho House of Representatives for a special session to deal with the coronavirus pandemic Monday…

Idaho lawmakers begin special session due to coronavirus

August 24, 2020 10:14 AM Associated Press

Idaho lawmakers started a special session Monday to deal with the coronavirus…

What to know about mail-in voting in Idaho

August 20, 2020 5:25 PM Emma Iannacone

Even with in-person voting as an option, people in Bannock County are planning…

Special legislative session to address election, civil liability during the pandemic

August 19, 2020 11:01 AM News Team

Governor Brad Little issued a proclamation Wednesday outlining the issues to be considered by the Idaho Legislature during a special legislative…

Idaho lawmakers to consider COVID-19 liability bill

August 18, 2020 5:18 PM Bre Clark

Some key decisions are in store as Idaho lawmakers gear up for a rare special session next week.…

jordan waving to camera from behind podium

Senate candidate Paulette Jordan discusses voter suppression, census in Fort Hall

August 10, 2020 2:04 PM Emma Iannacone

Jordan discussed the implications of the pandemic on tribes, voter suppression and low tribal participation in the census.…

Idaho restrictions to remain; governor wants schools open

August 6, 2020 9:00 AM News Team, Associated Press

Gov. Brad Little said Thursday Idaho will remain in the fourth and final stage of his plan to reopen during the pandemic for at least another two…

Gov. Little to call special legislative session

August 5, 2020 11:25 AM News Team

Governor Brad Little announced Wednesday he will call the Idaho Legislature into a special legislative session the week of August…

Lawmakers seek special session for liability shield law

July 30, 2020 1:22 PM Associated Press

Idaho lawmakers are proposing legislation creating a liability shield for protection against lawsuits during declared emergencies such as the…

Supreme Court asked to allow online initiative signatures

July 22, 2020 2:41 PM Associated Press

A group that wants Idaho to count online signatures during the coronavirus pandemic for an education funding initiative for the November ballot says…

Idaho lawmakers seek options for calling special sessions

July 20, 2020 3:51 PM Associated Press

Lawmakers concerned that Republican Gov. Brad Little has too much power following his emergency declaration because of the coronavirus pandemic…

Majority of Idaho cities, counties submit letters of intent to support public safety, pass savings onto property taxpayers

July 20, 2020 2:52 PM News Team

Fifty-four cities and 28 counties submitted letters of intent to participate in Governor Brad Little’s plan that leverages federal coronavirus relief…

Gov. Little applauds federal court decision supporting Idaho health insurance option

July 20, 2020 12:52 PM News Team

Governor Brad Little applauded a federal court decision that supports Idaho’s approach for Enhanced Short-term…

Reclaim Idaho ready to begin online petition drive

July 9, 2020 9:27 AM News Team

Reclaim Idaho says it is ready to proceed with an online petition drive in favor of its K-12 Education Initiative.…

Fuller to seek GOP party chairmanship

June 19, 2020 3:25 PM News Team

Mark Fuller, the Chairman of the Bonneville County Republican Central Committee has announced he will run for State Party Chairman this year.…

Trump administration supports Idaho transgender sports ban

June 19, 2020 2:26 PM Associated Press

A recently passed Idaho law banning transgender women from competing in women’s sports – the first such law in the nation – received support from the…