April 2, 2026
Voters Must See Through the Lies
By: Dorothy Moon, IDGOP Chairwoman
Everybody has an opinion, and that is especially true around election time. Voters are bombarded with signs, texts, mailers, and social media ads designed to change their views on one candidate or another. Some of these messages are substantive—sharing an incumbent’s voting record or explaining what a challenger will do differently—but others are nothing more than dirty, ugly mud.
Over the past few weeks, a group calling itself the “Conservative Accountability Project” has begun flooding mailboxes across the state. If you’ve seen these mailers, you know exactly what I’m talking about—dark red and black designs, ominous imagery, and over-the-top accusations aimed at conservative Republican candidates.
Some of these mailers claim that by opposing calls for an Article V Convention, legislators oppose a balanced budget. Others claim that by participating in a unanimous vote in 2025, conservative legislators voted to cut funding for law enforcement—which is a bald-faced lie.
Let me say this plainly: I hate liars. It’s one thing to criticize, and it’s one thing to campaign, but outright lying is wrong. These mailers are not about spreading the truth. They’re not about accountability. They’re about intimidation and manipulation.
As chair of the Idaho GOP, I have a responsibility to Republican voters—the grassroots foundation of our party and our political system. These are the people who pay the taxes, who show up, stay informed, and participate in the process. I don’t take kindly to big-money groups lying to their faces.
We’ve seen this before. Groups with slick branding and vague names show up during election season, spend large sums of money, and then disappear just as quickly. Their goal isn’t to build the party or strengthen our communities—it’s to pick winners and losers behind the scenes.
Big donors, powerful politicians, and special interests spend a lot of money trying to shape a legislature that will implement their priorities. In that process, voters can become little more than tools—chess pieces to be moved around by shadowy forces pursuing goals that are not always obvious.
No matter which side of an issue you’re on, or which candidate you support, that should raise your hackles.
Our republican form of government depends on honorable candidates and informed voters. The modern system of drive-by mailers filled with outrage and falsehoods does a disservice to our republic. Deception and sensationalism are no substitute for reasoned debate.
When you see an ominous-looking mailer denouncing your lawmaker, take a moment to think. Do your own research. Pick up the phone and have a conversation.
The ultimate power in our state belongs to you—not PACs, political nonprofits, or special interests. That’s why they work so hard to influence your vote. Guard that power wisely.
