Shes no longer shown herself to be the very personable, outgoing, kind lawmaker he knew when she was a member of the state House and the two would occasionally collaborate on bills, he said. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. Janice McGeachin walks down the front steps of the Idaho State Capitol building, with her husband Jim, prior to taking the podium to announce her run for Governor,. | Kevin Fixler kfixler@idahostatesman.com. McGeachin now appears to be following the same political formula that led to Trumps rapid rise, Thompson said, including his defeat of President Joe Biden in Idaho in 2020 by nearly 31 percentage points, despite losing the national election. Because of some of the media attacks Ive had recently, I asked him for some advice, McGeachin recalled. The governor and lieutenant governor publicly feuded,[59][60][61][62] and Little rescinded McGeachin's orders while he was still in Texas, saying that McGeachin's order was unauthorized because his "temporary presence in Texas on official business" did not impair his "ability to represent the people of Idaho thus necessitating action by another executive to ensure the continuity of state government. calls that 'shameful', Idaho governor repeals political rival's executive order. [41][38][50] McGeachin issued the order without consulting Little,[38] and against the wishes of state health officials who had sought a statewide mask mandate,[51] which Idaho has never had. Well, whats after that? Grace Panetta and Nicole Gaudiano May 17, 2022, 8:00 PM - Idaho Lt. Gov. [74] She opposes Medicaid expansion and was a leading opponent of 2018 Proposition 2, an initiative to expand Medicaid coverage to about 62,000 Idahoans. Amid a deluge of partisan cheerleading, anti-LGBTQ speech and Trump worship from invited speakers, Idahos lieutenant governor took hold of the mic. Just put your head down and keep going. The state has also paused vendor payments from McGeachin's office, and McGeachin has told state officials to withhold her salary and benefits to avoid a budget shortfall. She was elected lieutenant governor in the 2018 election, to serve with the governor, Brad Little. The Foundation stirred upheaval in this years legislative session over leftist indoctrination in the classroom, an effort that stalled education budgets. [40][46] In October 2020, McGeachin appeared in a video by the right-wing Idaho Freedom Foundation in which she wielded a gun and Bible, railed against COVID-19 public-health measures, and questioned whether "a pandemic may or may not be occurring. [31] The Idaho Statesman editorial board described the effort as "a manufactured witch hunt" driven by the "far-right fringe of Idaho's politics. Henry said she was also a supporter of the task force McGeachin launched last spring when she thrust herself and the state into the fray of national turmoil over the content taught in public schools. Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin (then Kyes), lower right, appears in her sophomore year portrait in the 1979 yearbook for Skyline High School, located in Idaho Falls. Pete Coulson worked as a coach and counselor for children. Its a daily process, she said. He spoke about the forgotten man in this country and how the government in Washington, D.C., was too beholden to the corporations and the special interests and that we needed to return the government back to the people, McGeachin said. A representative from the Idaho School Boards Association, ISBA President-elect Jason Knopp, withdrew from the task force after its first meeting, objecting to its lack of education professionals. After the task force completed its summer meetings, Knopps replacement died of COVID-19. Lt. Gov. 30 talking about this. At a March rally in southeast Boise for semi-truckers headed to Washington, D.C., to protest pandemic-related restrictions, McGeachin defended her fiery platform and her supporters to the crowd gathered on a small lawn next to a highway offramp truck stop. [80] She won the general election with 71.19% of the vote against Democratic nominee Scott Cannon. But shes a hard worker for what we stand for maintaining our republic. McGeachin on Fauci: I'll "lock him up", "Idaho Gov. She found herself embroiled in controversy when she posted - and deleted - a photo on her Facebook page that appears to show her. . [83], McGeachin was unopposed for the Republican primary[84] and the general election. [79], McGeachin was unopposed for the Republican primary. (VanderSloot and his wife, Belinda, each donated campaign maximums of $5,000 to Little. Their son followed three years later. Janice McGeachin fined $750 over public record violations, Lt. Gov. [70] Little won re-nomination with 52.81% of the vote, with McGeachin receiving 32.24% of the vote, Edward R. Humphreys receiving 10.96% of the vote, and an assortment of minor candidates receiving the rest. Brian Myrick / Idaho Press. It makes me feel good that both Jimmy and I have created a life for them that they want to be close to their parents, McGeachin said. He wondered aloud whether the change is because she no longer feels supported by the state GOP, or because the majority of lawmakers are more in line with Little. Janice McGeachin, as Senate president, presides over a session in March. Jason Knopp is the vice chairman of the Melba School Districts board. Throwing her hat in the ring for governor, McGeachin appealed to Trump for his endorsement over Little. McGeachin is asking taxpayers to cover $50,000 worth of her legal costs, Boise State Public Radio reported. [1], McGeachin has had a number of business ventures. Online, the church describes its belief that marriage is the exclusive union between one woman and one man. But, at that time, McGeachin also wasnt known for bucking the rules and norms of government, as shes more closely associated with today. McGeachin said she was an early adopter of Trump leading the Republican Party. McGeachins tenure in the Legislature included serving as chair of the House Health and Welfare Committee. McGeachins family businesses, particularly the pub, have become targets for harassment, she said, on account of her political ideology. Were getting to be too much of a centralized government on the federal level and getting away from what I believe our Founding Fathers intent was, McGeachin said, seated in her campaign headquarters office flanked by a framed photo of her firing an assault-style rifle. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. On an early April evening, theyre there for dinner and a few rounds of drinks, while the familys matriarch is home from the campaign trail. Among her longtime supporters, McGeachin counts Doyle Beck, a retired construction company CEO and conservative political activist who also is a fierce backer of Trump. Colleagues recognized her as a member of the more conservative wing of the Republican Party, sponsoring anti-abortion bills and stridently opposing the Affordable Care Act, passed under Democratic President Barack Obama. She lost the primary by just 241 votes to one-term Commissioner Lee Staker, a former state senator who went on to serve 18 years in the post. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. Janice McGeachin in her bid for governor, held May 4 at Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park in Meridian. McGeachin told the Statesman she didnt issue the orders thinking the governor would automatically reverse her statewide decrees. She met her husband, Jimmy McGeachin, while she was in high school and he attended college at the University of Idaho, she said. During one of her final pitches to voters, McGeachin closely followed the path laid out before her by right-wing conservatives in the Trump era. He's a lifelong Idahoan, and holds degrees in Creative Writing and Political Economy from the College of Idaho. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. [5] | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. Shes touted her business acumen as a reason why shes qualified, said David Roth, former chair of the Bonneville County Democratic Party, now running to challenge U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, in November. As part of a 10-point platform in her first 100 days as governor, McGeachin said she will work to prevent and eliminate all pandemic-related public health mandates, add incentives to increase production of firearms and ammunition in the state and strengthen abortion restrictions. So, how much is Janice McGeachin worth at the age of 59 years old? Ive already addressed it, and that story just needs to go away, McGeachin told the Statesman, declining to field questions about her appearance at the conference. Branden Durst hopes to win the May 17 GOP state superintendents primary by running against all things Sherri Ybarra and Debbie Critchfield. Janice McGeachin facing public condemnation over photo with 3 Percenters", "Idaho Lieutenant Governor Faces Backlash For Photo Supporting Jailed Militiaman", "Idaho Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin said Wednesday she was running for governor of Idaho . Governor Janice McGeachin posed with and then posted on Facebook pictures she had taken with two members of The Three Percenters. [14] McGeachin frequently criticized Little's strategy regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Idaho already would ban abortion if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the precedent-setting case of Roe v. Wade. In one recent check-in, McGeachin said, she sought his guidance. In each case, Little returned the next day and rescinded McGeachins order, calling the first instance an irresponsible, self-serving political stunt.. After years in the local Rotary Club and Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce, McGeachin made her first run at elected office in 2000, in the Republican primary for Bonneville County commissioner. Hes my best friend, my strongest supporter, and my partner in life, she said. Janice McGeachin announces run for governor Brian Myrick/Idaho Press May 19, 2021 1 of 12 As featured on Lt. Gov. Sonya Harris is a politically active Blackfoot school board trustee. BOISE (Idaho Statesman) Idaho Lt. Gov. [71] Of Idaho's 44 counties, McGeachin carried just four, all in the Idaho Panhandle. But a group of retired police officers and. Its just about all women supporting each other, McGeachin said. A federal appeals court overturned Idahos ban on same-sex marriage in 2014, and the U.S. Supreme Court legalized it across all 50 states a year later. She went on to defeat Democratic candidate Kristin Collum in the general election with nearly 60% of votes. In 2012, she and her family . McGeachin and her husband also own and operate an auto parts distribution center, a machine shop and two transmission repair shops. Janice McGeachin enters the house chambers at the state Capitol building on Jan. 10, 2022 in Boise, Idaho. After the company's acceptance of the PPP funds was publicized, McGeachin said that the company accepted the funds to counter what she called harm "by the heavy hand of government in 2020. Its just the impact that it has on my family is not easy all the time, because they have to deal with the fallout, and our employees have to deal with that. [6][74][75] She opposes minimum wages, believing that government should play no role in determining wages. The family who drinks together stays together, right? the bartender says. McGeachin cited Littles handling of the COVID-19 pandemic for prompting her to run now. After an onslaught of negative attention tied to the AFPAC event, including calls for her to resign, McGeachin responded by chastising the media a common target of her contempt, including consistent use of the phrase fake news media popularized by Trump. Since 2016, Beck and his family have donated the second-most money among Idaho residents directly to Trumps campaigns and political action committees, eclipsing $250,000, according to Federal Election Commission records. Idaho Lt. The Republican is the first sitting governor in more than 30 years to refuse to take part in the Idaho Debates, which air statewide on Idaho Public Television. Lt. Gov. [58][52], In October 2021, while Little was out of state touring the Southern border, McGeachin, claiming power as acting governor in Little's absence, issued an executive order banning state officials from requiring proof of vaccination from employees and sought to ban employers from requiring vaccinations altogether. Lt. Gov. [41], In May 2020, Little said he had not spoken to McGeachin in weeks. Brian Myrick / Idaho Press. McGeachin has been married to Jim McGeachin for quite some time. She said she took a pair of trips, to Trump Tower in New York City and his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, to explain her role as vice chair of his presidential campaign in Idaho before serving as a delegate at the Republican National Convention in 2016 and 2020. In addition, Beck is the state committeeman for the Bonneville County GOP and a board member for the Idaho Freedom Foundation, a powerful right-wing lobbying group. "[33], In August 2021, a state judge fined McGeachin $750 for violating the Idaho Public Records Act by failing to turn over documents requested by the Idaho Press Club. During her time at Skyline High, McGeachin was a member of the schools choreographed drill team, involved in student council and also voted homecoming royalty. Idahoans have a critically important choice to make a choice that will determine the course of our state for years to come. McGeachin herself donned a mask at times around the Capitol during a statewide peak of COVID-19 from the delta variant, telling the Statesman she did so out of respect for others who were there. You know, Mr. Theres no future for them, and I mean that wholeheartedly., Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin Thursday unveiled the membership list of her new "Task Force to Examine . She was inspired to enter the race to help address the communitys rapid growth, and what she felt was a lack of planning to go with it, McGeachin recalled. Henry, a former Boise School District junior high teacher, said her 12-year-old daughter was bullied and beaten up, and their home address released online, leading to stalking, death threats and two break-in attempts. Idahos first woman to fill the lieutenant governors office has fostered a national profile for her unconventional and outspoken approach to the job, drawing comparisons to right-wing firebrands such as U.S. Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia, and Lauren Boebert, R-Colorado. McGeachin was born Janice Kyes on January 18, 1963, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Idaho Lt. Gov. McGeachin claims the in-house smoked chicken wings are the best in the state. Rogers is outspoken that the 2020 election was stolen, and after making antisemitic statements and calling for the public hanging of political foes in an AFPAC speech was censured by the Arizona Legislature in March. After library bill vote, Boyle abruptly steps down from House Education, Lawmakers reject new ESA proposal in frustrated debate, Statehouse roundup, 2.27.23: Parental rights bill passes House easily, Coeur dAlene trustee calls anti-levy campaign disgusting and un-American. All Rights Reserved. [31] Idaho teachers described McGeachin's committee as a McCarthyist attack on teachers and a distraction from the challenges faced by Idaho's education system in reality. McGeachin remembers the city back then as a great place to grow up a small and supportive community. The Idaho Capital Sun has filed a public record's request with McGeachin's office. Janice McGeachin, the renegade lieutenant governor of Idaho who is running for governor, likes to portray herself as a law-and-order candidate. [38] In July 2021, when Little was out of state on a different trip, McGeachin wrote a letter to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, demanding information on what incentives Idaho healthcare providers may have "to impose vaccine mandates on their employees. My disagreements with his decisions of shutting businesses down and managing the pandemic grew, McGeachin said. "[34] A civil suit brought against McGeachin by the Idaho Press Club was settled in November 2021, with a court ordered McGeachin to pay the club almost $29,000 in fees and costs. He has scored some big wins,. [55] A surge in COVID-19 cases first strained, and then surpassed, the capacity of the state's health care system. [15][19] McGeachin narrowly won the Republican primary election on May 15, 2018, with 28.9% of the vote, then defeated Democratic nominee Kristin Collum in the November general election. July fundraising reports will trickle in over the next few days, as candidates report their monthly activity. The judge found that McGeachin acted "in bad faith" and that "It appears to the court that respondent would stop at nothing, no matter how misguided, to shield public records from the public. McGeachin said she leans on her Presbyterian faith and her trust in God when she encounters obstacles. [22] In a subsequent statement, McGeachin described the men as "two Second Amendment supporters who were here to support Todd Engel, an Idahoan who was treated unjustly by the court system," and said that she deleted the post after "a few people had begun erroneously assigning sinister motives which are contrary to my true character. Inscribed with the words, Slay Girl Slayyy, the oblong, aluminum pendant was a birthday gift from Hamilton, her friend and a Republican candidate for state House District 12 in Nampa. The men wore shirts promoting Todd Engel, who was sentenced to prison in connection with the Bundy standoff fatal encounter with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). McGeachin speech played at conference organized by white nationalist, McGeachin delivers taped speech to white nationalist meeting, McGeachins education task force discusses calls to disband State Board of Education, 'A Very McCarthyism Feel': Idaho Teachers Say Indoctrination Task Force Stokes Fear, Idaho's far-right 'indoctrination' witch hunt comes up short in Boise State investigation, ISBA rep leaves indoctrination task force, decrying 'partisan campaigning', Idaho Lt. Gov. I just wish she was better in presenting herself, said Dr. John Lee, a retired veterinarian who lives in Nampa, while attending the winery fundraiser with family. But the media likes to continue to try to destroy my character and my reputation, and, I dont know, it may be in an effort for us to maybe back down. The reverend on the task force lives in the Treasure Valley, has led a parachurch ministry for the last two decades, has a masters degree in curriculum and development and is a credentialed teacher in Idaho and California, Watters said. Janice Kyes McGeachin (/mi.n/; born January 18, 1963)[1] is an American far-right[2][3][4] politician and businesswoman who served as the 43rd lieutenant governor of Idaho from 2019 to 2023. However, McGeachin's Idaho Falls-based business accepted two partially forgivable loans, totaling $314,727, from the federal Paycheck Protection Program. "[52], McGeachin has used her office to promote misinformation to disparage COVID-19 vaccines. [55][56] In August 2021, after announcing that she would challenge Little in the Republican primary for re-nomination as governor, McGeachin said that it was "shameful" for Little to ask Idahoans to show love for neighbors by getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Janice McGeachin walks down the front steps of the Idaho State Capitol building, with her husband Jim, prior to taking the podium to announce her run for Governor, Wednesday, May 19,. poses with protesters in support of standoff prisoner", "McGeachin in statement: 'I wholeheartedly reject bigotry and discrimination', Dangerous Embrace of the Militia Movement, "Marjorie Taylor Greene Speaks At White Nationalist Conference", Idaho Lt. Gov. Ive made my statements about who I am and what I believe in, McGeachin told the Idaho Statesman in a sit-down interview. [9][67] In announcing her candidacy, McGeachin attacked public health measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 and said that Idaho should reject federal funding to preserve "state sovereignty," although she did not give details. It now acts as the nerve center for Republican Janice McGeachins upstart political ambitions for governor. [58] McGeachin also opposes vaccine mandates. She committed to tightening voting requirements, protecting individual liberties, eliminating leftist ideology she claimed is being taught in public schools, and ending the barbaric practice of murdering pre-born babies unconditionally, she said. McGeachin not only listened to her and other parents, Henry said, but also their children. Critics, including State Board President Kurt Liebich say theyve seen little evidence of widespread indoctrination. Liebich doubled down during the task forces second meeting in June, saying he had not seen any evidence of indoctrination in our public education system to date, via a written statement. Sometimes, a contrarian candidate wins in a closed Republican primary. Janice McGeachin attends a rally to support semi-truckers and protest against COVID-19 vaccination mandates for employment held in Boise in March. [40][46] At the rally, McGeachin criticized Little and other state officials. Janice McGeachin appeared on Tucker Carlson Tonight to discuss the indoctrination within Idaho's schools in which she speaks about the importance of education in Idaho and the "indoctrination of our young people" that she says has made her the target of the media for her anti-CRT stance. It makes us feel happy that they want to continue to be part of our companies and continue to stay in our community.. Politics isnt always viewed as a place for girls. But I think that this is the time that if we dont make the changes that need to happen, Idahos gone for our kids. Laura van Voorhees recently moved to Kootenai County from California. Idaho Lt. Gov. We will restore health freedom and end the threat of medical tyranny. Conservative Republican & Principled America First Warrior who always stands up for individual rights Janice Kyes McGeachin ( / mi.n /; born January 18, 1963) [1] is an American far-right [2] [3] [4] politician and businesswoman who served as the 43rd lieutenant governor of Idaho from 2019 to 2023. She courts people who use intimidation and violence to terrorize other people, said Raney, who retired after a decade as sheriff in 2015. She also inquired with the Idaho National Guard about ordering troops to the U.S.-Mexico border that Little was visiting. Karen McGee is a former Idaho State Board of Education executive director and president. [36], As lieutenant governor, McGeachin has had a strained relationship with the governor, Brad Little,[14][38][39] despite the fact that Little is a fellow conservative Republican. This election asks one simple question: Is my Idaho your Idaho? McGeachin said, to loud applause and supporters standing up from the camping chairs they brought from home. [6] An ally of the Tea Party movement, McGeachin was considered a possible Republican primary challenger to U.S. Representative Mike Simpson in 2010, but chose not to run. Under her vision for the state, McGeachin said, businesses and churches will never be forcibly closed, as happened during the stay-at-home order out of concern for public health. [43] In August 2020, McGeachin headlined a rally organized by the right-wing, conspiracist John Birch Society at the rally in Twin Falls, where speakers decried public health measures to combat the coronavirus. Janice McGeachin takes a question from an attendee during a meet-and-greet campaign fundraiser at a Caldwell-area winery in April. In recent months, she has testified in favor of policies targeting critical race theory and social justice in the classroom, at one point saying a controversial bill dealing with critical race theory did not go far enough to oust the content from public schools. Because sin is progressive, right? Brown told the congregation. About . Brian Myrick / Idaho Press. The residents came together and pulled through, McGeachin said. And Idaho will reduce its financial dependency on the federal government, she said, building to a crescendo. Beck said hes never spoken to Trump about McGeachin the three or four times theyve met, and thought his prior campaign donations to the former president played no role in McGeachin earning Trumps endorsement. Janice McGeachin announces run for Idaho governor, "GOP leaders in Idaho have ties to extremist movement", Idaho healthcare leaders plead for coronavirus mask mandate, Idaho's Anti-Lockdown Lieutenant Governor Has Gone Rogue, "Republican National Convention approaches", "2 more candidates to run for Idaho lieutenant governor", "Janice McGeachin announces Lt. [29] McGeachin's speech to the conference was criticized by Democrats and some Republicans for its antisemitic and pro-Putin contents. Ive been pregnant twice. I admit, to a certain extent, it was a little bit surprising, Little told the Statesman during an April phone interview, adding he didnt know why Trump endorsed his chief rival. Janice McGeachin is the first female Lt. The federal government has become too restrictive in how we teach our kids, manage health care, build our roads and manage our resources." McGeachins office previously said he has worked in school administration and social work. [7][9][10][11] As chair of the state House Health and Welfare Committee, she cut Medicaid funding and voted against legislation to create a state-based health insurance exchange. Idaho Lt. Gov. On May 17, the day Marsh Valley signed off on the separation, the Buhl School Districts board voted to hire Moffett to be president of the districts 34-student alternative high school, Wakapa, according to meeting minutes obtained by EdNews. The two positions run for election separately, rather than as a unified ticket. She said she does not dispute that masks are effective in preventing the spread of the virus, particularly N95s and hospital surgical masks. In October of 2021, he died of COVID-19. Janice McGeachin (@JaniceMcGeachin) November 8, 2016 McGeachin, 57, was a delegate for Donald Trump during the 2016 Republican National Convention, and vice-chair of Idaho's statewide. Britney Spears and husband Sam Asghari rock matching outfits for a trip . McGeachin, through a campaign spokesperson, declined a follow-up request from the Statesman for comment about her churchs positions on same-sex marriage and the LGBTQ community. McGeachin thanked those in attendance at the America First Political Action Conference held in Orlando, Florida, for joining our efforts. U.S. Rep. Greene also spoke at the event. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. Janice McGeachin, who's running for governor, has thrown some of her political weight into a child welfare case involving a 10-month-old baby. After briefly stepping away from dinner, Janice McGeachin returns, but is stopped by an older patron at the bar, who is enjoying his second beer and identifies himself as Skip. The unorthodox move was a big part of why she became a passionate McGeachin supporter, and now helps organize some of her campaign events. [29], In 2021, McGeachin convened an "education indoctrination task force" co-chaired by fellow Republican Priscilla Giddings. We need Janice McGeachin. But the seat also is viewed as a stepping stone for the states next governor, with five of Idahos past seven governors, including Little, 68, having served as second-in-command. Fundraising allowed some successful statewide candidates to dominate the airwaves. Rev. She said she supports marriage between a man and a woman, as outlined by Idaho's Constitution, despite the fact that gay marriage became legal by federal law in a U.S. Supreme Court case in 2015. He holds a Ph.D. in political science from Loyola University in Chicago. Some lawmakers, including longtime friends, refuse to talk about her, or request to go off the record. A month later, she administered an oath to members of the Real Three Percent of Idaho, including Eric Parker, the groups leader, who said she once told him if she were elected, he would have a friend in the governors office. Parker endorsed McGeachin for governor last year.

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