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 do not disagree with your analysis, just your pick. What has Mr. Olson done for the Republican Party to earn our vote, and your endorsement? How many campaigns has he worked, supported, run? Testimony given? Meet and Greets hosted? LD 14 meetings attended? What sweat effort equity does he have in the Party? The other 3 candidates have worked for years, this guy has done nothing, contributed nothing, and deserves nothing. IMO
Thank you for your thoughts, Brian! We always appreciate your analysis.
However, we still support Tracey Koellisch. Her incredible work ethic; unstinting integrity; long history as a Conservative volunteer; many local and statewide successes; nearly single-handed rescue of Eagle from a slippery slide to Seattle; broad knowledge of city, state, and federal government; ability to bring people together to achieve a common goal; and her strong conservative values are essential qualities for District 14 and Idaho.
One can always consult with sharp experts on tax policies, and she'd probably do well to consult with Mike Olsen on such issues. But unwavering commitment to principles and desire to keep Idaho strong and Conservative are far more important. Tracey has the necessary qualities in spades.