Idaho
Architect of Idaho's Closed Republican Primary: 'It's worked out exactly the way it was intended to work out'
Idaho’s primary elections have been allowed to be closed since 2011, when a federal court ruled Republicans had the right to disassociate from non-Republicans. Current Ada County Commission chairman Rod Beck was a driving force behind the effort, after two primary losses by less than 400 votes in the mid-2000s.
All Things Considered host Troy Oppie sat down with Beck, who is not up for election this year, to talk about issues in the county and about Proposition 1, which would allow voters to undo his work from more than a decade ago.
Read the full transcript below.
TROY OPPIE: Idaho’s primary elections have been allowed to be closed since a federal court ruled in 2011 republicans had the right to disassociate from non-republicans, just as the constitution guarantees the right to free association. Current Ada County Commission Chairman Rod Beck was a driving force behind the effort to close republican primaries after two primary losses by fewer than 400 hundred votes in the mid-2000s.
ROD BECK: I was out knocking on doors and I came across a couple. And I said, I’m Rod Beck. I’m running for the state Senate. And he said, We know who you are. We’re going to vote for your opponent.
OPPIE: Beck told me he kept talking to those voters, discovering they were teachers, and members of the teacher’s union.
BECK: I said, “well, correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought most members of the teachers union are Democrats, particularly the leadership of the teachers.”
They said “absolutely. We’re proud Democrats.” So why would you be voting in a Republican primary? ‘Because we don’t want you to win. That’s why.’
[laughs]
That’s when I started working on the closed primary.
OPPIE: This week, I sat down with chairman Beck, who is not up for election this year, to talk about issues in the county, and about proposition 1, which would allow voters to undo his work from more than a decade ago.
OPPIE: As you’ve seen that play out here over the last now 13 years, has it worked out the way that you intended?
BECK: Yes, it has. It’s worked out exactly the way it was intended to work out. And all the naysayers at the time, because there were some naysayers that didn’t want it within the Republican Party. And they were asserting that it would make independents mad and they wouldn’t vote for Republicans. None of that happened. In fact, we’ve strengthened our position in the legislature. There’s more Republicans now than there was (sic) in 2012. And so we strengthened our position. And one of the arguments that that’s coming forth with this proposition one is a bogus argument because they claim that, it’s moved the needle farther to the right, which isn’t true at all, because then I posed the question to the spokesmen, a spokesperson for the for the Prop one: If the needle has moved too far, the right. Because after all, ultimately an election is about policy. What policy do you think has been moved too far to the right? They wouldn’t say.
OPPIE: The exchange Beck is describing happened on the The Ranch podcast, hosted by Matt Todd. Here’s how Republican Hyram Erickson, who supports proposition one, replied during a debate with Beck.
ERICKSON: “But it’s not a question of a particular legislative outcome. Our legislators deal with hundreds of bills that deal with hundreds of issues, and they are supposed to be representative of their individual districts. And, and and right now, often they are not. And and that is not a healthy place for the state to be.”
OPPIE: I think you can make an argument, though, for a gradual shift that, those policies may not have been signed into law, may not have been passed, but incrementally they’re getting closer to passing with every legislative session. And you look at the issue of school choice or vouchers in schools, whatever you want to call it. That’s one that I think fits into that bill, where it has gotten incrementally closer With each bill.
BECK: And it should be getting enrollment incrementally closer, because that’s the official policy position of the Idaho Republican Party that’s got nothing to do with closed primaries. That’s what the Idaho Republican Party has always been, been in favor of school choice. But it’s not it’s not a policy drift that has occurred. What hasn’t occurred is it hasn’t passed.
OPPIE: Republicans have in recent years passed bills restricting libraries, banning abortion, banning trans girls and women from women’s sports as well. Some of those bills are still being challenged in court.
Beck criticized the moniker open primary, saying Prop 1 also includes rank-choice voting and is not a return to the same system used before Republicans closed their primary in 2012.
BECK: Your jungle primary, you have four people emerge from the primary and then it goes on to do it to a general election. If you have 16 to 18 offices on the ballot, you’re going to have anywhere from 60 to 70 people. It’ll be worth it. It’ll be worse than your S.A.T. tests. It’s going to take you an hour to get through your ballot. And then it’s confusing. What is this ranked choice? What does that actually do? I mean, Will my vote not count? because here’s what I … Your first place vote might get discounted because if they don’t have the, if they don’t have the majority on the first go around. Then they’ll drop one and it’s all an algorithm.
OPPIE: Well, it’s math.
BECK: It’s all math.
OPPIE: I don’t know about algorithm, but it’s math.
BECK: It’s math. Well, that’s what algorithm is. It’s mathematic computation, and that’s what it will be.
OPPIE: The argument that ranked choice is too confusing, I found interesting. Because essentially you’re saying, ‘the constituents that I’m talking about can’t be trained, can’t be educated, can’t be brought along to this.
BECK: I’m not saying that at all. I’m saying that even today, when you only have two people on the ballot – you go take a poll, ‘do you know who your senator is, your state senator?’ Nine times out of ten, they won’t. Just average ordinary people. They worry about their work, their family. And maybe a week or two before the election, they might start paying a little attention to it. They don’t really get into the details. Well, if it’s that way with just two people on a ballot, how’s it going to be with four? I think it’s going to be confusing.
OPPIE: Do you think it’ll pass?
BECK: No, I don’t think it will pass, because I’m seeing some movement and it’s because more people are starting to understand it. I think the more people understand it, the more people will vote no.
OPPIE: Let’s shift to the topic of growth. The commission got an impact fee structure passed and put into place now that’s been underway through several variations of this commission started back as far as I could tell in 2019 and a conversation that at least may have gone back first.
BECK: Started and then that was before my time. And When we first got here, we had anticipated that these impact fees would be forthcoming. I don’t quite know what happened, but the impact fee, it got beyond the study period. So we had to do that over again, which we did. We did the impact study over again. And that just takes time to do that. Now we have adopted the impact fee, but in order to properly collect it, you have to give it to all the cities or six cities in any county. They all have to adopt an ordinance that allows them to collect it for us.
OPPIE: A process that was expected to go smoothly. It’s i’s and t’s and a lot of…
BECK: But it has to meet all these cities’ objections and it has to make sure that it follows, because this is an interlocutor agreement. Because most of the new construction is in the cities. Now we don’t have to do that with unincorporated areas, there’s still 65,000 people live in unincorporated Ada County.
OPPIE: Impact fees will support first responders and county services, like the sheriff’s office, Emergency medical service and the coroner’s office. Once in place, the income is only allowed to be used for infrastructure, which could take some pressure off property tax payers. But Beck says bonds aren’t going away, in particular, the proposed bond funding to expand the county jail.
BECK: We’re not going to allow our jail to be not safe. That’s our top priority. And so and we’re we’re pushing up against the top end of the jail capacity currently. And part of that, by the way, is because the state of Idaho, they haven’t they don’t come and get their prisoners as soon as they should, because we have anywhere from 70 to 140 state inmates and if we didn’t have those state inmates, we wouldn’t be jumping to bump up against the capacity.
OPPIE: Yeah, you’d be at 85, 90% of capacity.
BECK: Right. We’d still need to expand the jail because that jail hasn’t been expanded for a long time. And we’ll just have to have to see how the revenue comes in because you can’t build a building on anticipated revenue. I think we’re we’re about ready to take off again, there’s there’s an uptick in building permits, an uptick in at least four subdivisions. So that might, that might make a difference.
OPPIE: Shifting to this November, you’re not on the ballot. Your colleagues are. What are your priorities if this commission remains intact for another two years?
BECK: Well, my priorities have not changed. And they and they won’t change. My priorities have always been I want to provide the best government possible for the least amount of tax dollars. And I think we’re doing that. We’re we’re doing a lot of really good things in Ada County. And I want to continue to do those good things because I think it benefits the community.
OPPIE: Two years from now, do you expect to be back on the ballot?
BECK: I would say it’s more than likely, yeah. Of course. You know, it’s … I enjoy the work. I think that the work that we’re doing here is really good. I think we’re in the best position that the county’s been in for a long time.
OPPIE: Thank you for being so generous with your time.
BECK: I appreciate the good talk. Good talking to you. Yeah. It’s time that some of us Republicans get a little more space on your, on public radio.
OPPIE: Fair enough.
[laughs]
Rod Beck thank you for Joining us on Boise State Public Radio.
When the demands of daily life feel overwhelming, Idaho’s small towns provide the perfect escape to relax and rejuvenate. With populations under 10,000, these peaceful retreats are nestled amid stunning landscapes and rich history. Whether it’s savoring the serene beauty of Payette Lake in McCall or exploring the historic charm of Bonners Ferry, these destinations invite you to slow down and embrace the simplicity of life. Surrounded by natural wonders and warm communities, these towns are ideal for unwinding and reconnecting with what matters most.
Bonners Ferry
Riverside escapes make for some of the best vacation destinations, and that’s exactly what visitors can expect when planning a trip to Bonners Ferry. Perched along the Kootenai River in northern Idaho, this peaceful town is a treasure trove for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Start your adventure at the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, where scenic trails wind through diverse habitats, making it an excellent choice for spotting wildlife and enjoying serene views. For waterfall chasers, Snow Creek Falls and the Myrtle Falls Trail are must-see spots, delivering tranquil settings and breathtaking cascades.
On the other hand, History lovers can delve into the area’s storied past at the Boundary County Museum, where exhibits highlight the pioneer days and logging heritage of the region. To unwind further, head to Mirror Lake Golf Course for a relaxing round of golf in a serene setting surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Stanley
Stanley is a tranquil haven tucked in the heart of Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, known for its soothing hot springs and serene natural beauty. Imagine unwinding in the warmth of Boat Box Hot Spring, a rustic riverside retreat framed by majestic mountain views, or soaking in the calming waters of Mountain Village and Valley Creek Hot Springs, the perfect spots to let your worries melt away.
For a deeper connection to the town’s roots, visit the Stanley Museum, where exhibits in a historic ranger station share the stories of early settlers and miners who shaped the area. Surrounded by pristine wilderness, Stanley invites you to slow down, breathe in the fresh alpine air, and reconnect with nature.
McCall
McCall invites vacationers to experience the ultimate outdoor retreat, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and countless opportunities to connect with nature. Nestled in Idaho’s mountains, the town boasts Payette Lake, a sparkling gem where you can enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply relaxing along its sandy beaches. Additionally, Ponderosa State Park adds to McCall’s charm with its miles of scenic trails, towering pine forests, and panoramic views of the shimmering lake below.
For those seeking a touch of indulgence, a visit to Burgdorf Hot Springs is a must. Tucked away in the wilderness, these historic, rustic hot springs create a tranquil setting to unwind in warm, mineral-rich waters. Adventure seekers will love Brundage Mountain Resort, where skiing takes center stage in winter, and mountain biking or hiking becomes the highlights during warmer months.
Driggs
Situated in the peaceful Teton Valley, Driggs is an excellent retreat for those looking to unwind and reconnect with nature. This tranquil town blends a laid-back vibe with breathtaking scenery, creating a place for relaxation. Begin your day with a leisurely paddle along the calm waters of the Teton River, courtesy of Teton River Supply, where the surrounding mountains and open skies frame a serene backdrop. For a deeper connection with the area’s heritage, the Teton Geotourism Center offers a quiet space to explore the valley’s rich natural and cultural history.
Evenings are best spent on the Sunset four-hour Grand Teton Wildlife Adventure, a gentle excursion where you can take in the majestic landscapes and catch glimpses of the area’s abundant wildlife. Round out your stay with a peaceful round of golf at The Links Golf Course, where the panoramic views make every moment feel like a retreat.
Ketchum
A serene mountain escape with quintessential small-town allure, Ketchum invites visitors to embrace its relaxed pace and natural beauty. Art lovers can explore the Sun Valley Museum of Art, an enriching space showcasing regional creativity through captivating exhibitions. Nearby, the Gail Severn Gallery and Gilman Contemporary feature thoughtfully curated works, ranging from contemporary to fine art, making them must-visit spots for an inspiring cultural experience.
Beyond its artistic appeal, Ketchum shines as a gateway to outdoor adventure. The breathtaking Sawtooth Wilderness Area is a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts, with its jagged peaks, pristine lakes, and tranquil trails that lead you deep into Idaho’s raw beauty. For a more refined escape, Sun Valley blends scenic tranquility with activities like golf, horseback riding, or simply unwinding amidst the picturesque backdrop.
Victor
Known for its tranquil mountain setting and welcoming atmosphere, Victor is one of Idaho’s most relaxing towns for nature lovers and leisure seekers. Escape to the peaceful landscapes of Bagley’s Teton Mountain Ranch, where rolling meadows and majestic mountain views set the scene for horseback rides and wildlife spotting. Similarly, Linn Canyon Ranch creates a serene retreat with opportunities for guided horseback adventures and cozy gatherings, making it an ideal place to reconnect with the outdoors.
For those seeking a leisurely day, Headwaters Golf Club provides a picturesque setting to enjoy a round of golf surrounded by the stunning Teton backdrop. Afterward, unwind at Grand Teton Brewing, where craft beer enthusiasts can savor local brews in a laid-back environment that captures the spirit of this mountain town.
Donnelly
Situated near the heart of Valley County, this mountain town serves as an excellent escape for those seeking peace and adventure. For a truly magical experience, the Hap and Florence Points Memorial Sleigh Rides offer an unforgettable journey through snow-covered meadows, pulled by majestic draft horses. This enchanting ride showcases breathtaking views of the mountains and a tranquil winter wonderland, capturing the heart of Donnelly’s serene allure.
Another brilliant spot to visit is Lake Cascade State Park. This scenic spot features expansive waters, ideal for kayaking, fishing, or simply relaxing by the shore. For a more secluded experience, head to Tamarack Resort, where year-round activities like skiing, mountain biking, and hiking promise adventure against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty.
Wrapping Up
Take a break from the demands of everyday life and rediscover the joy of simplicity in these peaceful Idaho towns. From McCall’s sparkling Payette Lake to Stanley’s rejuvenating hot springs, each destination boasts its own unique charm and a chance to unwind in the heart of nature. With their slower rhythms, stunning landscapes, and countless ways to relax and explore, these towns deliver an unmatched escape to refresh your mind and restore your sense of balance.
BOISE, Idaho — Lets face it, every year, lists like this come out: Top 6 stories of the year. Like all news, it is somewhat subjective. But, we feel this list represents the most impactful and most interesting stories in 2024.
In no particular order:
- Fatal hangar collapse at Boise Airport.
- Chad Daybell’s conviction
- Quagga mussels threaten river infrastructure
- Thomas Creech survives attempted execution.
- Idaho’s strict abortion bans
- BSU makes it to the College Football Playoff after winning its second straight conference title
Now, there were other contenders. Murder suspect Brian Kohberger arriving in Boise after a change in venue. Massive summer wildfires. The failure of moderate Republicans to pass “proposition one” that they hoped would transform Idaho politics away from extremism.
You probably have stories you think belong on the list. But hey, that’s what lists like this are all about: stimulating conversation. Because, when all is said and done, it’s all in the past.
The six biggest stories of the year begins with the collapse of a huge Hangar under construction at the Boise Airport on January 31st that killed three people and injured nine others. Strangely, I was driving past the structure that same day and called Jackson jet center to do a story on the new development. Just hours later, the structure collapsed. OSHA cited Big D builders for one willful violation and three serious violations of federal safety regulations. OSHA also cited Inland Crane for one serious violation. A lawsuit filed on behalf of two workers who were killed is ongoing.
In May, an Idaho Jury found Chad Daybell guilty of first degree murder and conspiracy charges in the deaths of his first wife Tammy and two children of his second wife Lori Vallow. Daybell is sentenced to die for his crimes.
I was in the witness room for perhaps the most bizarre story of the year as the Idaho Department of Correction tried and failed to execute convicted killer Thomas Creech. I watched just feet away as a medical team tried eight separate times to access a suitable vein and could not. The state has since created new procedures to allow them to access larger points of entry, like arteries, to deliver execution drugs. The state has also purchased more of the execution drug needed to complete the death penalty in Creech’s case. A new death warrant has yet to be issued from the state.
Idaho’s near total abortion ban brought forth emotional testimony in court challenges in 2024. Several women testified that the ban is forcing women to carry fetuses with deadly anomalies and preventing doctors from intervening in potentially fatal medical emergencies. The law has caused some reproductive health doctors to leave the state for fear of prosecution. Court challenges to Idaho’s law could have ripple effects across the country depending on the outcomes. The Idaho Supreme Court previously ruled that the Idaho constitution does not provide a right to an abortion and found that Idaho’s laws criminalizing abortion are constitutional.
One of the biggest stories of the year is due to one of the tiniest culprits — quagga mussels. The shellfish were discovered in large numbers in the Snake river near twin falls last year. But efforts to eradicate them with poison failed. Quagga mussels can cause massive damage to hydroelectric infrastructure by clogging pipes and intake valves. They can also rob water of oxygen needed for fish survival. A second attempt to kill the tiny mussels was made in November and its success won’t be known for months.
Lastly, but not least, the success of the Boise State Bronco football team. Not only did they make it to the very first 12 team college playoff with a first round bye, but their star player, Ashton Jeanty was runner up for the Heisman Trophy. The broncos have won three straight Fiesta Bowls and are excited to add a fourth against the Penn State Nittany Lions. Whatever the outcome, the mere presence of BSU in the College Football Playoff has once again put the university and Boise itself on the national map.
Now the question is, what will make the list next year? Kohberger’s murder trial is likely to make the list. But beyond that is anyone’s guess.
The following is a news release from the Idaho Lottery.
BOISE – Two lucky Idaho Lottery winning tickets are now worth a guaranteed $1 million.
The Idaho Lottery announced the winning numbers from the sold-out, 2024 version of the popular Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle shortly before 6 p.m. Monday evening. The two winning numbers, in order, are:
0 6 3 6 4 7
and
1 1 6 2 9 3
This year’s game offered more prizes than any previous Raffle game, including two $10,000 prizes, 150 prizes of $100, 300 prizes of $50, 2,900 prizes of $25, and 14,500 prizes of $15.
For all 17,854 prizes, players can check their tickets for winners here, or by calling the Idaho Lottery Winning Numbers Hotline at (208) 334-4656. You can also use the free, mobile Check-a-Ticket app, or visit an Idaho Lottery retail location.
All winning tickets of $1,000 or higher in this game must be claimed at Lottery offices in Boise. Players will have 180 days after the draw to claim their prizes.
Idaho Lottery offices are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays. Players may also mail their winning tickets to Lottery Offices for payment. All other prizes may be claimed at Idaho Lottery retail locations.
The Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle generated more than $1,500,000 in dividend revenue to benefit Idaho public schools and buildings this year.
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