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
I understand where you're coming from, Mike. I alluded to that view in my analysis. I do not believe that volunteering for the party is an absolute necessity to run for office. I asked Mike why he hasn't done any events, and he told me that he prefers to knock on doors and connect directly to the voters. I can respect that.
My point is for how many years and campaigns has he done that for other candidates? Worked the phone banks? The Republican Party is a working Party and I don't believe he even knows that. You earn your chops, pay your dues. Not just join and run, sorta like Ammon wanted to do. It's not a term I use often but that makes him a "RINO."
As you always say, Mike, it is up to the voters to decide. While volunteering for other candidates and campaigns is important, and something voters can take into account, I do not believe that it must be a requirement. That is where I believe some candidates get the idea that it is "their turn" for certain offices.
Sometimes an outsider is the right choice - see Donald Trump in 2016. He had not "paid his dues" in the manner of Jeb Bush, but he was an infinitely better choice.
As you know I also endorsed Rep. DeMordaunt for reelection. As I watched the two of them answer questions at the forum earlier this week I was able to envision them working as a team on many important issues. D14 will have two representatives - I see value in one being a party veteran and the other being a newcomer with a fresh perspective.
I always appreciate your perspective, Mike, even if we disagree.
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.
Another concern about Mike Olsen. He worked for EY (formerly Ernst and Young) and Shell. On Olsen's website (https://www.mikeolsen4idaho.com/#About), he states "I went on to earn dual degrees in law, and since then, I became the youngest tax attorney for a large publicly traded company." That company was EY according to my notes. His LinkedIn page mentions a nearly two-year stint at Shell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-olsen-59b8b931).
While I cannot say that having worked for EY or Shell means Olsen shares their values, it was a concern for me.
Finally, I looked at the contributions to Olsen in Idaho Sunshine. One donation was for $1K from the Idaho Association of Realtors. This PAC donated to at least one candidate many conservatives would not consider conservative. See
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.
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 Olsen is the fresh face and attitude we need in Idaho politics. His conservative values and level headed no-nonsense approach is rare to come by these days, and we should be glad people of his values will still take on the grind of running for a political office.
I have known Mike for six years, and not once have I known him to not consider all sides of an issue and come up with the best solution to the topic at hand.
I welcome new candidates for election. Just because some of Mike’s opponents are incumbents, does not mean they are a better pick. Since when does political experience result in a good work ethic or the right mindset? Sometimes the best solution to a problem is solved by a person looking at it from a different viewpoint that comes from a new perspective.
If we do not elect people like Mike, Idaho could continue to erode with the influx of liberal mindset in to the state.
Mike has no agenda. He is not a one issue candidate he is a person believing in limited government and personal choice. His background in law, accounting and running a business is reassuring. Given his background, he will be able to be effective and persuasive -right off the bat. There is no doubt in my mind that Mike will serve with integrity and insight. He will make us proud. He will be a standout in the next legislative session.
It gives me hope that someone like Mike Olsen has stepped up and thrown his hat into the political ring. He wants to make a difference in District 14A. Given his background and inexhaustible energy, I believe he can.
I have known Mike for almost ten years and could not be more pleased that he has decided to serve. Mike is brilliant and bold, he will fight for his constituents. He is exactly what this party needs and I can’t wait to see him serve.
Mike is one of the smartest guys I know. His knowledge of tax law, second to none. His experience as a business leader, his fresh take on how the state can support Idahoans, and his conservative values make him the future. I'm sick of career politics and career politicians. The argument that he's not the best candidate because he is new to the scene is weak. What we need is smart people with vision. Like Mike! Wish I lived in his district and wish my district had someone like him running.
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
I understand where you're coming from, Mike. I alluded to that view in my analysis. I do not believe that volunteering for the party is an absolute necessity to run for office. I asked Mike why he hasn't done any events, and he told me that he prefers to knock on doors and connect directly to the voters. I can respect that.
My point is for how many years and campaigns has he done that for other candidates? Worked the phone banks? The Republican Party is a working Party and I don't believe he even knows that. You earn your chops, pay your dues. Not just join and run, sorta like Ammon wanted to do. It's not a term I use often but that makes him a "RINO."
As you always say, Mike, it is up to the voters to decide. While volunteering for other candidates and campaigns is important, and something voters can take into account, I do not believe that it must be a requirement. That is where I believe some candidates get the idea that it is "their turn" for certain offices.
Sometimes an outsider is the right choice - see Donald Trump in 2016. He had not "paid his dues" in the manner of Jeb Bush, but he was an infinitely better choice.
As you know I also endorsed Rep. DeMordaunt for reelection. As I watched the two of them answer questions at the forum earlier this week I was able to envision them working as a team on many important issues. D14 will have two representatives - I see value in one being a party veteran and the other being a newcomer with a fresh perspective.
I always appreciate your perspective, Mike, even if we disagree.
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.
Another concern about Mike Olsen. He worked for EY (formerly Ernst and Young) and Shell. On Olsen's website (https://www.mikeolsen4idaho.com/#About), he states "I went on to earn dual degrees in law, and since then, I became the youngest tax attorney for a large publicly traded company." That company was EY according to my notes. His LinkedIn page mentions a nearly two-year stint at Shell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-olsen-59b8b931).
EY's website includes references to decidedly non-conservative values such as Transformation (https://www.ey.com/en_us/transformation-realized) and ESG (https://www.ey.com/en_us/esg-reporting). EY also participates in the World Economic Forum (https://www.ey.com/en_gl/wef).
Shell has a prominent page on the World Economic Forum website (https://www.weforum.org/organizations/royal-dutch-shell-plc). It is also steeped in ESG (https://www.shell.com/investors/environmental-social-and-governance/esg-topics.html), and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (https://www.shell.com/careers/about-careers-at-shell/we-are-one-team/diversity-inclusion.html).
While I cannot say that having worked for EY or Shell means Olsen shares their values, it was a concern for me.
Finally, I looked at the contributions to Olsen in Idaho Sunshine. One donation was for $1K from the Idaho Association of Realtors. This PAC donated to at least one candidate many conservatives would not consider conservative. See
https://sunshine.sos.idaho.gov/?activity_types[donate]=1&activity_types[spend]=0&activity_types[file]=0&campaigns[0][value]=2311&order=amount%20desc
https://sunshine.sos.idaho.gov/?donors[0][value]=1003806&order=amount%20desc
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.
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 Olsen is the fresh face and attitude we need in Idaho politics. His conservative values and level headed no-nonsense approach is rare to come by these days, and we should be glad people of his values will still take on the grind of running for a political office.
I have known Mike for six years, and not once have I known him to not consider all sides of an issue and come up with the best solution to the topic at hand.
I welcome new candidates for election. Just because some of Mike’s opponents are incumbents, does not mean they are a better pick. Since when does political experience result in a good work ethic or the right mindset? Sometimes the best solution to a problem is solved by a person looking at it from a different viewpoint that comes from a new perspective.
If we do not elect people like Mike, Idaho could continue to erode with the influx of liberal mindset in to the state.
My vote is for Mike Olsen!
Mike has no agenda. He is not a one issue candidate he is a person believing in limited government and personal choice. His background in law, accounting and running a business is reassuring. Given his background, he will be able to be effective and persuasive -right off the bat. There is no doubt in my mind that Mike will serve with integrity and insight. He will make us proud. He will be a standout in the next legislative session.
It gives me hope that someone like Mike Olsen has stepped up and thrown his hat into the political ring. He wants to make a difference in District 14A. Given his background and inexhaustible energy, I believe he can.
I have known Mike for almost ten years and could not be more pleased that he has decided to serve. Mike is brilliant and bold, he will fight for his constituents. He is exactly what this party needs and I can’t wait to see him serve.
Mike is one of the smartest guys I know. His knowledge of tax law, second to none. His experience as a business leader, his fresh take on how the state can support Idahoans, and his conservative values make him the future. I'm sick of career politics and career politicians. The argument that he's not the best candidate because he is new to the scene is weak. What we need is smart people with vision. Like Mike! Wish I lived in his district and wish my district had someone like him running.