Guest Column–Dustin Hurst: It’s Time to Spill Some Beans

I am so grateful for my time with the Idaho Freedom Foundation. I have learned so much and done some big things. Wayne took a chance on me years ago, and I’m forever grateful he did.

I still love IFF and I believe the organization’s best years lie ahead. The foundation is so needed because no other group holds politicians accountable like IFF.

I’m particularly proud of the Idaho Freedom Index, probably the top legislative scorecard in the nation. Moderate Republicans hate the Index because it prevents them from controlling the narrative. They are more than happy to try to bamboozle voters, and the Index smashes their narratives.

Some might speculate about my departure. Allow me to be clear: I have grown particularly adept at fundraising and I saw a new challenge in that space. I couldn’t pass it up.

Plus, things became a bit routine at IFF. I needed a new challenge. And I definitely have one at my new employer.

My work to save Idaho from fake conservatives isn’t over, though. I plan to remain at Idaho Freedom PAC so that I can help replace the likes of Abby Lee, Treg Bernt, Geoff Schroeder, and Chuck Winder. Idahoans have got to stop sending fake conservatives to the Statehouse if they want the state to remain conservative. But that’s another story for another day.

IFF did some big things during my time there. But we certainly didn’t achieve some important wins. For example, I weep that CBD oil is still illegal in the state of Idaho. Republicans, forever committed to the war on drugs, are hurting people and they don’t care. It’s so senseless.

Julia, the kids, and I plan to remain in Idaho, though the new job allows me to work remotely. I love this place, and I am dedicated to preserving it so that Lincoln, Hollie, and Ben can enjoy it when they have their own families.

Eventually, I’d like to return to IFF to lead the foundation. But, that’s a dream. We’ll see where life takes me over the next 5-7 years.

I am proud to say that I gave IFF – and the fight to preserve liberty in Idaho – everything I had. I left it all out there. And I’m confident that Wayne and the rest of the team will continue to work tirelessly to do what needs to be done.