People who are extremists, and yes, even racists. People who ignore data, facts, and science. What will be left? People who are intolerant of anyone different. Our children and grandchildren - our best and brightest - will become our biggest export. The utopia IFF seeks to create guarantees IdahoвЂ™s largest employers will choose to relocate to other states. My experience and observations tell me this: Idaho is in trouble unless we chart a different path. But the reality is as the volume of crazy bills the House passes increases, the number of those signed into law also increases. IFFвЂ™s system means the most extreme bills get hearings, traction, and passed. They needed the help being offered, and the legislature took it away because IFF told them to do it.ДЄnd because IFF spread false and pernicious lies about the existence of critical race theory, we struggled to pass even basic budgets for our universities, all while Idaho is experiencing unprecedented budget surpluses. We surrendered a $6 million federal grant for our struggling child care providers at a critical juncture when working parents are trying to earn a living and raise their kids. IFF is often the only voice filling the space on important bills, and there are increasingly fewer Republican legislators willing to buck this unofficial system.

Those who fail to show loyalty are attacked viciously through social media, newsletters, and in the press by IFF and its disciples - some of the stateвЂ™s angriest and most aggressive residents - during the session and primary elections. Those with top rankings receive IFFвЂ™s high praise. IFF rates bills throughout the session and ranks legislators accordingly. IFF and its Freedom Caucus - made up of nearly a quarter to a third of the House - work in tandem to pressure Republicans who would otherwise vote according to their values, life experiences, and constituentsвЂ™ needs. It has more sheer influence over the majority party, vote after vote, than any grassroots organization, special interest group, lobbying effort, or think tank: the Idaho Freedom Foundation (вЂњIFFвЂќ). One organization is particularly dangerous. ItвЂ™s influenced by extreme-right organizations bullying their way into Idaho politics: anti-government, Oath Keepers, Three Percenters, Bundyites, and sympathizers to all of these groups. Now, 11 years later, IdahoвЂ™s majority party is almost unrecognizable.

Prior to arriving in Boise in January, I was told to expect a vastly different environment than what I had experienced during my previous two terms in the Legislature from 2006-2010. IвЂ™ve been asked that question often since leaving the Capitol in May. вЂњWhatвЂ™s wrong with the Idaho Legislature?вЂќ

Attendance point system chart