The Reason for Conservative Frustration

Many Idaho Conservatives feel stymied by a legislature where conservative ideas are very hard to get passed. As I went through the scorecards, one of the most glaring points that stood out is that in a large number of districts, voters are electing Senators who are far less conservative than the [...]

Posted on April 15th, 2007 by admin
Filed under: 2007 Scorecard | No Comments »

Vote Descriptions

1) Woman’s Right to View Act: H. 248 would require a doctor to inform a woman that she has a right to view an ultrasound before performing an abortion on here. Idaho Conservative Position: Yes. Result: Passed 25-9. Sponsor: Rep. Janice McGeachin (R-Idaho Falls)

2) North American Union: HJM 5 was a Joint Legislative Memorial urging Congress to oppose any efforts that would lead to the creation of North American Union. Idaho Conservative Position: Yes. Result: Passed 24-10. Sponsor: Rep. Jo An Wood (R-Rigby)

3) English as Official Language: S 1172 makes English the official language of government and recognizes its important in creating a common culture. Idaho Conservative Position: Yes. Result: Passed 20-15 Sponsor: Senator Mel Richardson (R-Idaho Falls)

4) Film Industry Corporate Welfare: S 1156 would set aside $1 million to provide a 20% rebate to those who make “qualified media productions” in Idaho. Given that this isn’t the role of government (nor an efficient method of economic development), The Idaho Conservative Position is: No. Result: Passed 23-12 Sponsor: Senator Robert Geddes (R-Soda Springs.)

5) Smoking Ban in Bowling Alleys-Vote to Override Governor Otter’s Veto of H. 121, which would ban smoking in all bowling alleys in Idaho. As this violates private property rights, The Idaho Conservative Position is No. Passed 29-6 Sponsor: Rep. Bob Ring (R-Caldwell.)

6) Parental Consent for Abortion: S. 1082 requires parental consent before an abortion is obtained. The Idaho Conservative Position is Yes. Passed 23-12 Sponsor: Senator Russ Fulcher (R-Meridian)

7) Benefits for Illegal Aliens: S. 1157 requires verification of legal status to receive public benefits except in emergencies. The Idaho Conservative Position is Yes. Passed 29-6. Sponsor: Senator John McGee (R-Caldwell.)

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Posted on April 15th, 2007 by admin
Filed under: 2007 Scorecard | No Comments »

Vote Descriptions

1) Grocery Tax Credit-Vote to Override Governor Butch Otter’s veto of H. 81, which would raise the grocery tax credit to $40 per person, delivering tax relief for all Idahoans. Idaho Conservative Position: Yes. Result: Passed 48-22. Sponsor: Rep. Cliff Bayer (R-Boise)

2) Woman’s Right to View Act: H. 248 would require a doctor to inform a woman that she has a right to view an ultrasound before performing an abortion on here. Idaho Conservative Position: Yes. Result: Passed 54-15. Sponsor Rep. Janice McGeachin (R-Idaho Falls)

3) Two Elections Per Year: H. 196 would limit elections to twice per year. Many Idahoans wake up to find important elections that will effect their lives, their property, and their future being called at odd times of the year which favor activist who can get out the vote for their side, but make a mockery of our democratic process. H. 196 would limit elections to once in May and once in November, thus increasing voter participation and saving taxpayer funds on elections. Idaho Conservative Position: Yes. Result: Passed 40-30. Sponsor: Rep. Dennis Lake (R-Blackfoot.)

4) Parental Role in Education: HCR 24 emphasizes parents as the primary providers of early education to their children and to provide information and support for parents to prepare their children for Kindergarten. Idaho Conservative Position: Yes. Result: Passed 48-19 Sponsor. Rep. Steven Thayn (R-Emmett)

5) English as Official Language: S 1172 makes English the official language of government and recognizes its important in creating a common culture. Idaho Conservative Position: Yes. Result: Passed 20-15 Sponsor: Senator Mel Richardson (R-Idaho Falls)

6) Film Industry Corporate Welfare: S 1156 would set aside $1 million to provide a 20% rebate to those who make “qualified media productions” in Idaho. Given that this isn’t the role of government (nor an efficient method of economic development), The Idaho Conservative’s Position is: No. Result: Failed 33-34 Sponsor: Senator Robert Geddes (R-Soda Springs.)

7) Smoking Ban in Bowling Alleys-Vote to Override Governor Otter’s Veto of H. 121, which would ban smoking in all bowling alleys in Idaho. As this violates private property rights, The Idaho Conservative Position is No. Passed 57-13. Sponsor: Rep. Bob Ring (R-Caldwell.)

Parental Consent for Abortion: S. 1082 requires parental consent before an abortion is obtained. The Idaho Conservative Position is Yes. Passed 53-14 Sponsor: Senator Russ Fulcher (R-Meridian)

9) Benefits for Illegal Aliens: S. 1157 requires verification of legal status to receive public benefits except in emergencies. The Idaho Conservative Position is Yes. Passed 47-21. Sponsor: Senator John McGee (R-Caldwell.)

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Posted on April 15th, 2007 by admin
Filed under: 2007 Scorecard | No Comments »

Things I Think You’ll Ask
To have a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) on a brand new website about a just-released scorecard is a logical contradiction. If it’s brand new, how could anyone have frequently asked you anything. Still, here are questions I think might come up.
Q: Why do you only list the veto override votes [...]

Posted on April 15th, 2007 by admin
Filed under: 2007 Scorecard | No Comments »