February 1, 2024
Cronyism in Idaho Politics
Should those who act as political enforcers be rewarded with oversight of state agencies and boards?
By: Idaho Freedom Caucus
Comedian George Carlin once said, “It’s a big club, and you ain’t in it.” Today, that sentiment applies to Idaho politics.
The Idaho Senate has a duty to approve the governor’s appointments to various state boards and agencies. Ideally, these appointments should be based on skills and experience, free from any hint of cronyism.
However, that’s not the reality we live in.
The governor often appoints close friends or political allies, and the Senate, without much questioning, blindly votes “Yes.”
For instance, former State Senator Jeff Agenbroad, now running against Senator Brian Lenney, was appointed to the Energy Resource Authority. Most of his former Senate colleagues approved this appointment without hesitation. Only six members, all from the Idaho Freedom Caucus, raised concerns about this blatant cronyism.
In another case, the governor appointed Mitchell Watkins to the Idaho Transportation Board. It’s no surprise that Watkins is the chairman of the Friends of Brad Little PAC, which has raised nearly $800,000 in the past 14 months. Unfortunately, such practices are considered normal in politics.
The Friends of Brad Little PAC donated $500,000 to the Idaho Victory Fund, a group also linked to the governor. The Idaho Victory Fund, in return, gave $75,000 to the Idaho Liberty PAC, which was used to target three Canyon County senators, including Senator Tammy Nichols and Senator Brian Lenney, both members of the Idaho Freedom Caucus. Jeff Agenbroad, a recent gubernatorial appointee, is currently challenging Senator Lenney. Coincidence?
Should those who act as political enforcers be rewarded with oversight of state agencies and boards?
But wait, there’s more! The treasurer of the Idaho Victory Fund is Chad Henggeler. The governor reappointed him to the State Board of Health and Welfare, and the Senate approved without question. Despite objections from Sen. Tammy Nichols, who pointed out his involvement in attacking her and her conservative colleagues, the appointment went ahead because that’s the norm in politics.
The Idaho Freedom Caucus is determined to expose the cronyism that is so prominent in Idaho politics. We want a political system that truly serves the people, values merit, and gets rid of the old way of playing favorites. It’s time for change, and Idaho deserves a better political future.
