Running from their brand
Readers of the Gem State Chronicle recall how Democratic power brokers pushed their own nominee, David Roth, out of the U.S. Senate race in favor of “independent” candidate Todd Achilles. This morning in The Hill, I explain how this has become a nationwide phenomenon:
Democrats are purging their brand from red-state ballots and bracing for a civil war over that same brand everywhere else. When a party isn’t sure what it stands for, it is easier just not to say anything.
Idaho Democrats had made a habit of swapping candidates on their own ballot line, but the legislature closed that loophole in 2025, declaring that the winner of the primary must be the candidate in November, barring death or disqualification. Simply withdrawing in favor of an independent does not violate that law, but it is still a betrayal of the party’s own voters.
Big tech tax breaks
I’ve written about the tax breaks that Big Tech firms enjoy in Idaho, and examined the pros and cons of using tax incentives to attract development. Over the weekend, Sen. Brian Lenney called for a full elimination of those tax breaks:
Money for rural health
Sen. Camille Blaylock says that grants for $97 million in federal funds for rural health initiatives are now open. Providers can apply for funding for building renovations, tech and cybersecurity upgrades, workforce support, and other investments that will benefit local communities:
What is kratom anyway?
Rep. Rob Beiswenger posted an essay for the Idaho Freedom Caucus taking a closer look at the controversy over kratom:
Congressman Simpson is out and about
It was a productive week in Idaho’s Second District! I enjoyed having meetings with constituents and businesses in Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, and Boise.
First and foremost, after returning to Twin Falls for several meetings, I have to say how amazed I am by the strength of the Twin Falls community following the horrific shooting. God bless the people of Twin Falls, our brave law enforcement and first responders, and the brave individuals who acted swiftly and courageously.
Over in Boise, I had the opportunity to visit Western States Cat and learn more about their new and used equipment. Their equipment serves homeowners, contractors, and businesses throughout Idaho and the West.
Video of the day
John Doyle takes a provocative look at what the Founding Fathers really meant when they wrote “all men are created equal”. It’s important to seriously contend with their ideas and beliefs rather than handwaving them into avatars of our own political positions, which is something that occurs all too often on both the left and the right.
Remember to check out all the tools at Idaho Insider, including the brand new Budget Calculator. I recently made some adjustments to the calculator, including adding sliders for dedicated funds and updating the final FY2026 numbers now that DFM has published them.
Once again, a big thank you to sponsors Lynn Bradescu’s Boise Realty, Money Metals, and New Saint Andrews College. Thank you also to all the paid subscribers who make it possible for me to do what I do, as well as all the readers who are constantly encouraging me to keep it up. I appreciate you!
Senator Lenney's passion is admirable, as his fine collection of data points. Unfortunately, his data flood don't include the information needed to know whether the Micron deal is good for Idaho or not, or whether the tax breaks make sense or not. To be clear, I don't know the answer to either question, and am no closer to an answer despite Lenney's passion.
Do the tax breaks mean Micron makes the investment, or makes a bigger investment? If so, then you have to ask what property tax revenue would have been paid by the Kuna farmers who would still own the land? How many jobs would there have been had the tax breaks not been in effect and Micron not made the investment?
The clearest case to be made against the tax breaks arises if Micron would have made the same investment, in the same amount, in Idaho without the tax breaks. Micron, like so many companies, certainly has viable alternatives to investing in Idaho.
I am deeply saddened by what is happening to our quality of life in the Treasure Valley. The average temperature has risen because farmland has been replaced with concrete and asphalt. Our traffic is starting to rival LA as it becomes more difficult to move from east to west and north to south. And, the county is filled with massive building and infrastructure projects. My little town of Star alone will be tied up with massive road construction (44/16, 44 widening and Star Rd widening) for many years. While I’m grateful for the work, I also know that these new roads will be jammed with traffic the day that they open. Too much too fast. Please give us a break.