I wrote yesterday that all four candidates for the Idaho State House of Representatives in District 14, Seat A have admirable qualities, and all four will bring something positive to the legislature.
Unfortunately, the way elections work is that you can only vote for one person in each race. As much as I wish we could send all four candidates to Boise as some sort of Avengers super team, only one will get the nomination next week. After a lot of thought, research, and dialogue, I have decided to support Mike Olsen.
This is not to take anything away from the other candidates:
I want Tracey Koellisch to continue her work of informing citizens about the goings-on in our system, both from within the Republican Party and from without.
I want Caleb Hoobery to continue his fighting for school choice, to expand options for students and families, and his promotion of gun safety and the Second Amendment.
I want Ted Hill to continue being a strong voice for our constitutional values, perhaps at the national level alongside other patriotic veterans like Joe Kent of Washington, Lee Zeldin of New York, and Tom Cotton of Arkansas.
I believe that Mike Olsen will be an excellent addition to the Republican caucus in Boise. He brings a fresh perspective, a shot of youthful energy, and expert knowledge of taxation and regulatory policy to the legislature. His experience will make him a valuable part of our team of delegates from District 14.
Mike has a vision for making Idaho a friendlier place for business without resorting to the tax breaks and subsidies that our current leadership so enjoys.
Mike strongly supports school choice, which should be one of the preeminent issues of the next session, but also recognizes that many homeschooling families wish to stay completely out of the system.
I have listened to concerns that Mike is too new to the process compared with his opponents who are already politically involved. Personally, I see that as an advantage. As a relative newcomer to politics, Mike brings a fresh perspective to our discourse. He will start on square one with no favors owed, no baggage carried, and no bridges burnt. I am excited to see what he can do, and intend to follow him closely over the next two years and will hold him to account for his promises.
This is a tough race to judge, so I will not fault anyone for who they choose to support. Figure out who best aligns with your own priorities and values, and then vote your conscience.
I have done that, and have chosen to support Mike Olsen. I invite you to do so as well.
I am a Registered Libertarian only because of the failures of the Republicans in the party to keep our country conservative. As a Constitutionalist I have become tired of the Repubican politicians working long periods of time in the party putting in dues only to progress their careers rather than doing what's right for the people they represent. I have to comment on some of the comments written below. To deem someone a poor choice just because they are not part of an establishment is a scary thought. How are we any different than the Left? Donald Trump and Ronald Reagan showed us that often out best option is an outsider. I personally know Mike Olsen and can atest to his superb understanding of what we as Conservative Idahoans want and need. He is a fantastic man and has talents and abilities that are perfectly aligned with what Idaho needs. He doesn't need this office to make him successful. Idaho needs him to stay true to the Idhao we love. I have worked for and with Mike Olsen for the past 6 years and he has used his talents and abilities to greatly improve everything he has been involved with. He is the furthest thing from being a RINO. Please stop endorsing and voting for people based upon their time in the party and start looking at what they have to offer the party and the state they represent but above all the people the are elected to protect.
Mike's business and legal background and understanding of the needs of his constituents will be a bonus not only for the party but for the people of Idaho. He has the unique ability to listen and process the needs of the people he represents support him and he will support you.