Idaho

Idaho Republicans
by Glenda Jordan

           The Republican State of Idaho is one of the leading states in this country. This state leads in cultural aspects, politics, population growth and technological progress.
           Idaho means, “gem of the mountain”, hence its nickname “gem of the state. It was discovered by Europeans in 1805 and was the least of the fifty States sighted. President Lincoln on March 4, 1863 signed this state as an organized territory. Geographically Idaho is 83,574 square miles. Mt. Borah its highest peak at sea level stands at 12,662 feet. Boise Idaho’s capital is the largest city. In 1996 the population was estimated at 1,189,000. In 1995 the leading industries were manufacturing, service industries, and retail trade. Leading agricultural commodities are potatoes, cattle, dairy products and wheat.
           The state’s republican leaders are as follows:
           Phil Bratt is the governor. His main platform was lowering taxes. Governor Bratt has been in the political arena since 1964 when he was elected to the State House.
           Larry Craig is the Senior Senator. He was elected in 1974 at age 29. He has held various offices since his election. He is presently the chairman of the forest and public land committee among many other titles.
           Dick Kepthorne is the Junior Senator. He has had a long and successful political career. Kepthorne has been quite patriotic to his state. He has voted against NAFTA and GATT due to its consequence on Idaho’s sugar beet farmer. He presides over environmental drinking water, wildlife, fisheries and other titles.
           Some other Republican leaders are:
           Lt. Governor - C.L. Otter
           Secretary of State - Pete T. Cenarrusa
           Treasurer – Lydia Justice Edwards
           Attorney General Alan Lance. Treasurer
           Senate President – Jerry Twigs
           House Speaker – Michael Simpson
           Congresswoman 1st District – Helen Chenoweth
           Congressman 2nd District- Michael Crappo.
           Idaho has 2 districts. The first district extends from the Nevada border to Canada.
This district is the least Republican. Congresswoman Helen Chenoweth is over this district. The 2nd District runs from central Boise east to the Utah border and is predominantly republican. The congressman of this district is Larry Crappo.
The Republican Party begins its platform with a declaration of faith in God.   It quotes, “We believe the strength of our nation lies with our faith and reliance on God our Creator… ”
           Idaho’s Republican platform deals with some of the following issues: economic issues, social Policy, equal rights and opportunity and foreign policy.
           Economic Issues
           TAXES: On the issue of taxes, the Republican Party acknowledges that taxing citizens provides government revenues. Additional federal taxation is disagreed on. They believe that the problem is not a lack of finances but it is the superabundant spending of the Democrats.
           Idaho has a tightly regulated taxation system. They believe that the combination of income, sales and property taxes furnishes a steadfast and dependable source of income for governmental needs.
           A tax system that will enable a family to care and support its family financially is what the Republican Party longs for. They also want the elimination of the marriage penalty tax.
           The Budget: The Idaho Republican Party praises the Idaho Republican Congressional leaders for their endeavors to balance the federal budget. The Idaho Republican Party demands instant passage of the balanced budget amendment to the balanced budget constitution. Zero based budgeting for Idaho is supported.
           The Environment: Idaho’s Republican Party acknowledges that the richness of their natural environment can be protected and enhanced while flourishing. They believe there should be little government regulation and special prominence on multiple use and local control.
           Social Policy
           Education: The party recognizes that the quality of education provided is vital to the future of the State. To them successful education is accountability between everyone. That is, the individual, family and the community. An educational system closest to the people is believed to be a well-balanced one.
Priorities for an outstanding education system should be focused on early childhood reading and developing basic skills.
The Republicans want the public school system to be a safe haven for its students. It should be discipline and provide excellence in education. Elementary skills that aid children to function as literate citizens should also be provided.
Idaho encourages the continuation of higher education for its citizens. It prides itself in the many committed professional teachers and educators who have given themselves to their students, schools and families.
           Health and Welfare: The party believes that government should have very little regulation on healthcare. It supports quality healthcare that is affordable. They believe that health and welfare should be the responsibility of the citizens. Health and welfare should be an aid for citizens to return to productive life.
           Gun Control: Idaho Republican Party is a strong supporter of the 2nd amendment. That is the right to bear arms. Organizations are commended for their hard work to preserve and foster that right.
           Abortion: The Party believes that abortion should be performed ONLY on the grounds to save the life of the mother. President Clinton’s Administration plan for use of taxpayer’s money to fund abortion is strongly opposed. The party stands firmly on their support for the sanctity of life and the rights of the unborn child. They will not support abortion based on birth control, sex selection and convenience. Parental consent for minors to obtain an abortion is approved. Adoption in place of abortion is promoted.
           Equal rights and Opportunity
           Race: The Republicans believe in equality of rights, justice and opportunity for all, regardless of race, creed, age, sex or disability. They are supporting the Human Rights Commission, which allows the initial handling of employment by the state.
           Foreign policy and America’s Global Role
           Defense needs at home and abroad: The Republican Party believes it is essential to have a powerful defense. They believe in a solid army and National Guard. Peace through strength is their strong belief.
On an international level they believe American soldiers should not be used as “world policemen”.
           The above has been some of the issues from the Idaho Republican platform.