Keep Idaho Red Radio: Recent Episodes
Tom Luna and Victor Miller
On the show, Councilwoman Willits talks about Boise City developments, the District 3 appointment of Latonia Haney Keith instead of Lisa Sanchez, the upcoming July 4 parade, the city budget, preparing for the 2023 City elections, etc.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield discusses restoring the reputation of public schools, the Parents Rights Act, the Empowering Parents Program, libraries, Career Technical Education, the ESA/voucher issue and more.
Idaho State Representative Chenele Dixon (Legislative District 24)
On the April 1 Keep Idaho Red Radio show, we welcomed Idaho State Representative Chenele Dixon (Legislative District 24).
In the Keep Idaho Red “Freshman Segment” we talk with Rep. Chenele Dixon about why she ran for office in Legislative District 24, working with constituents, bills she has worked on including bills on improving the protection and storage of Idaho’s water resources, the House Concurrent Resolution of disapproval of the “Lava Ridge Wind” project, an bill affecting HOAs and coming up with a “Bridge Year Position License” for recent medical school graduates that don’t “match” in the first year.
Download Dixon 4-1-23 Clip
On the March 25 Keep Idaho Red Radio show, we welcomed Idaho State Representative Ted Hill (Legislative District 14).
In the Keep Idaho Red “Freshman Segment” we talk with Rep. Ted Hill about bills he has been working on addressing a) “the bathroom bill”, b) a bill prohibiting credit card companies to share data from gun purchases, c) parental rights in schools, d) preventing the state from using Tik-Tok, e) preventing Chinese interests from purchasing Idaho farmland and more!
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On the March 25 Keep Idaho Red Radio show, we welcomed Idaho House Rep. Wendy Horman – Co-Chair of the Joint Finance & Appropriations Committee.
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Co-Chair Horman discusses the budget update – funding for education and medicare – an update on state revenues – supplementals and property taxes.
Rep. Monks discussed the compromise Property Tax Bill that looks very promising to make its way through
the Statehouse.
Mr. Conzatti talks about bills focused on a) protecting biological girls in bathrooms and locker rooms, b) addressing inappropriate books in public schools and libraries and c) vulnerable children protection act.
Rep. Ehardt discussed the three ESG bills at the statehouse, a bill honoring Coach Joseph Kennedy (coach who prayed at midfield after games – was fired – and won Supreme Court case Kennedy vs. Bremington School District) and a bill that defines the word “abstinence” (you won’t believe why this has to be done).
Senator Adams discussed Senate Bill 1100 that would mandate biological males/females to use bathrooms/locker rooms designated for their gender. Senator Adams also share his thoughts on a new approach to education funding and his Stop Act which ends State/private employment discrimination based on receiving/not receiving vaccines, etc.
“Freshman Segment” we visit with District 12 Representative Jaron Crane. Rep. Crane discusses his Library Bill and his bill addressing Human Trafficking.
https://prestopublic909a9b9.b-cdn.net/Mar-11-2023-Jaron-Crane–Clip-HD720p.mov
US Term Limits National Legislative Director Shanna Chamblee and Idaho State Director Carri Campbell.
Shanna and Carri talked about their efforts to get term limits in Congress and their efforts to work with the legislature in Idaho.
Senator Jim Risch talked about China – Russia – Ukraine – COVID and the World Health Organization.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield discussed her first 60 days in office; dealing with prank threats made to schools last Wednesday; the importance of safety and preparation plans; elements of the The Parents Bill of Rights (which passed unanimously in the House Education Committee); House Bill 092 which would require high schools to teach a class on financial literacy and Career Tech Education (especially in rural areas”).
Lt. Governor Bedke discussed the first 60 days of his new role; the goals of the Launch Act and need for a trailer bill/Launch Act 2.0 (though it passed, the original bill did not get a majority of Republicans’ support in the House); an update on Idaho’s economy and its tax receipts.
Idaho Rep. Doug Pickett (also from Legislative District 27) joins KIRR for the “Freshman segment.”
We learned why Rep. Pickett ran for office and a bit about his background, talks about an issue he’d like to clean up relative to school board trustee elections, the importance of water to Idaho and more.
In our “new legislator” segment, on the January 28 Keep Idaho Red Radio Show, we welcomed U.S. House Representative Josh Tanner.
Rep. Josh Tanner talks about why he ran for office, what the Joint Finance Appropriations Committee does and issues that are coming before the committee, his concerns with Federal overreach, supplemental budget levies, Medicaid expansion issues in Idaho and some quick thoughts on taxes.
Rep. Bruce Skaug is also Chair of Judicial, Rules and Administration committee in the House.
Rep. Skaug addresses legislation concerning fentanyl, human trafficking, the death penalty, judicial issues, working with new legislators on his committee and his thoughts on testimony by those under 18 in front of his Committee.
Secretary of State McGrane discusses four election integrity bills on which he is working, bringing voter guides to Idaho, the upcoming Secretary of State budget meetings, his vision to bring consistent standards to vote statewide and his opinion on safe elections are in Idaho.
Rep. Russ Fulcher talks about his new Committee assignments, the final details of the race for House Speaker and legislative priorities.
Eric Metaxas is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Is “Atheism Dead?”, “Fish Out of Water”, “Martin Luther”, “If You Can Keep It”, “Bonhoeffer”, “Amazing Grace”, and “Miracles”. Eric is currently doing the book circuit tour with his new book “Letter to the American Church” which was released in September 2022. Eric sees parallels between the U.S. Church of today and the German Churches of the 1930s and is sending a warning!
Rep. Sage Dixon of Legislative District 1. Rep. Dixon is also the Assistant Majority Leader in the House.
Rep. Dixon discusses the role of the Assistant Majority Leader, the process of how judicial appointments are made, what “personal bills” and the education funding model in Idaho.
Rep. Fulcher talks with us from just outside House Chambers just after the 7th vote for the election of House Speaker. He provides his thoughts on the process, potential issues that could be solved and walks through his prediction of what would ultimately happen (he was right). He also talks about his potential Chairmanship of the Committee on National Parks, Forests & Public Lands.
Mayor of the City of Eagle Jason Pierce. Mayor Pierce talked about his Christmas traditions, the attempted recall in Eagle (no signatures were turned in), the appreciation the Mayor has for his fellow councilmembers, his vision for role of Mayor, what he is seeing in the Eagle economy, the development of Eagle’s downtown, the impact of House Bill 389 on Eagle and the development of new parks (sporting facility and gun range).
Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield talks about her transition committee and its subcommittees (career & technical education, structure of the Department of Education & parent engagement among others), making the educational experience successful for students and future employment, her idea to have financial literacy be a core class and getting parents more involved.
In this segment, Rep. Brent Crane talks about Major and Minor Committees, the role of the State Affairs Committee, how committee members are chosen, the stability of his committee membership since last year and issues that might come before the State Affairs Committee, including the “Trigger Law”, border crisis/fentanyl (Judiciary and Rules Committee), sex trafficking and election law.
Rep. Julie Yamamoto who represents Legislative District 11 and who is the new chair of the Education Committee in the House. She talks about her 35 years in the education sphere, priorities for education funding, backing parents’ dreams for their children’s education, some examples of successful school models in Idaho, the nexus of school’s budgets and property taxes and more!
Rep, Jason Monks (Legislative District 22), who is the Chair of the Revenue & Taxation committee. In this segment. Rep. Monks talks about Christmas traditions in the Monks’ family, how the Revenue and Taxation Committee works in the State budget process and with the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee, tax priorities in 2023, reviewing the Medicaid Expansion program in Idaho, education priorities with new funding laid out in the Special Session and more!
Rep. Dustin Manwaring, who represents Legislative District 29 and was elected House Republican Caucus Chair.
City Councilwoman Luci Willits. In the discussion with Councilwoman Willits, she discusses re-districting, issues surrounding the Boise Police Department and the upcoming 2023 Fourth of July Celebration in Boise.
Treasurer Ellsworth has been one of the nation’s leaders pushing back on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) and that was the topic of discussion on KIRR on December 17. Treasurer Ellsworth discusses ESG and how she intends to push back on it in Idaho – especially relative to state contracts. Treasurer Ellsworth also broaches the topic of how everyday Idahoans might see ESG in their lives and talks about ESG in the banking and credit union space.
Megan Wold, Partner at Cooper & Kirk and former clerk to Supreme Court Justice Alito. Megan provided us an update to three important SCOTUS cases she previewed on the September 24th KIRR Show: cases involving private property rights in Idaho (Sackett v. EPA), affirmative action (involving admitting practices for Asian students at Harvard and UNC) and First Amendment Free Speech in creative fields (“303 Creation” case). The “303” case was heard by the Court just last week. Enjoy this fascinating discussion and recap.
Chief Deputy Secretary of State Chad Houck and Deputy Secretary of State Jason Hancock to discuss the November 8 election – and get their thoughts on the statewide trends – turnout – and the post-election audit.
Idaho State Representative Barbara Ehardt, who represents Legislative District 33. Rep. Ehardt discusses some preliminary thoughts on a bill she is working on that addresses “ESG” (Environmental, Social & Governance) issues relative to State contracts, banks and credit unions.
Idaho State Senator Dave Lent, Chair of the Senate Education Committee and who represents Legislative District 33.
Representative-Elect – Legislative District 26 – Seat B Jack Nelson. Jack talks about his race – one that was originally called for his opponent and eventually called for him. Jack discusses his legislative priorities: water, agricultural issues and student literacy.
Re-elected Ada County Commissioner Rod Beck talks about the 2022 campaign, property taxes, the roles and responsibilities of the Commissioners, the upcoming 2023 budget process, the development of Expo Idaho and his main priority going into his next four year term
Ada County Clerk-Elect Trent Tripple. Trent discusses general take-aways from the 2022 election, turnout, absentee/early voting trends, what the clerk does, the upcoming 2023 budget process and his priorities as the new Ada County Clerk.
Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction-(SOPI) Elect Debbie Critchfield. Debbie talks about her vision for her SOPI role, thoughts about the 2023 budget, working on creating statewide “best practices”, creating an expectation for “excellence in education” and how to increase parent engagement.
State Representative Brent Crane (Legislative District 13 Seat-A). Representative Crane talks about the elections in Idaho, the composition of Idaho House (50% are new members; 68 members of house of 70 have turned over in last 16 years), his thoughts about the Constitutional Amendment that permits the House and Senate to call itself back into a Special Session and issue Representative Crane expects to see in the House State Affairs Committee.
Secretary of State Elect Phil McGrane. Phil talks about his Secretary of State race, general impressions of statewide and Ada County elections, stepping into his new role as Secretary of State and his priorities and vision for his new office.
Laurie Lickley, candidate for Senate in District 26. Laurie talks about the economy and inflation, Democrats’ terrible voting record for Idahoans, liberal special interest groups spending money in her District, the importance of agriculture to her district and how critical the race is in District 26.
John Vander Woude who is running for Legislative District 22 – House Seat-A. John talks about water issues in his district (wells going dry in eastern part of district), education priorities and the Constitutional Amendment on the ballot.
Codi Galloway, candidate for Senate in Legislative District 15. Codi talks about the economy, her opponent, Ada County Democrats’ miserable voting record, what it means to be “pro-education” and why people need to get out to vote in District 15.
Four candidates running for Senate in Boise – Dennis Mansfield (Legislative District 16), Ben Chafetz (Legislative District 17), Dan Bridges (Legislative District 18) and Blair Moss (Legislative District 19). Each candidate talks a bit about why they ran for office and the biggest issue they are hearing when meeting constituents at their doors while campaigning.
US Congressman Russ Fulcher talks about the importance of Republican turnout, the Republican House “Commitment to America”, the fallacies of Democratic messaging, his outlook for the House and Senate elections and the impact it might have on Idaho’s delegation and national legislation and priorities.
Rebecca Arnold, candidate for Ada County Assessor. Rebecca talks about her goals as assessor, the job of assessor, her goal to revisit the budget of the assessor office, her background and legislation she’s like to work on if elected.
Debbie Critchfield, candidate for Idaho State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Debbie talks about recent math and reading score trends nationally and in Idaho, importance of literacy, the importance of creating a strong plan and curriculum for academic success, her “Student Bill of Rights”, the “Strong Students Grants/Scholarships” program and more!
Gregory L. Smith, Vice President of American Global Strategies LLC. Smith previously served in The White House as Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Political Affairs for Policy and Personnel from 2019-2021. Greg is an expert on the political landscape and gives his view on key Senate races, inroads the Republican Party is making with Latin voters and key issues (crime, education and inflation).
Raul Labrador – candidate for Idaho State Attorney General. Raul talks about his travels throughout the State, his unique background and qualifications that makes him the best candidate, his vision for the office of Attorney General, key contrasts with his Democratic opponent and his views on the enumerated powers of the Federal Government and Idaho.
Jack Nelson, a 3rd generation retired dairy farmer, who served nearly 20 years on Jerome County P&Z and who serves as a College of Southern Idaho trustee. Jack discusses his passion for agriculture and education and how he would like to do if seated as a Representative for District 26.
Rep. Laurie Lickley - Candidate for Senate - Legislative District 26 Rep. Laurie Lickley, who is running for the Idaho Senate in Legislative District 26. In this segment, Laurie talks about the issue of water, her involvement in Idaho’s Behavioral Health Council and how you can learn more about her campaign.
Rich Riffle talks about his qualifications for the job (former Deputy Medical Examiner for 15 years - former Police Chief – former City Councilman), what the role of the Coroner and what his vision is for the job.
Ada County Sheriff Matthew Clifford is running for Sheriff once again in November 2022. Ada County Sheriff Clifford talks about challenges Idaho is seeing with Biden’s open border policy – namely drug smuggling and fentanyl and what the Governor’s office, State, County and Local Police are doing together to combat this horrible reality. Sheriff Clifford talks about the Sheriff’s role in elections and what issues and misperceptions he is hearing/seeing during this election cycle.
In this segment, the candidates in LD 15 talk about economic security, public safety, education and medical issues. Candidate for Senate Codi Galloway, Candidate for House Seat-A Steve Keyser and Candidate for House Seat-B Dori Healey. They are all running in Legislative District 15.
Dan Schoenberg, Chairman of the Latah County Republican Party. Dan was elected County Chairman of the year in 2021. Dan talks about Latah’s Get Out the Vote effort, efforts to increase turnout, the nature of the county races and why Dan loves his candidate in Legislative District 6 and Latah County!
Rep. Lori McCann, who is running for the Idaho House – Seat A – in Legislative District 6. Rep. McCann talked about her passion – education (especially new money coming in for in-demand career opportunities), property taxes and why voters should support her candidacy.
Rep. Brandon Mitchell, who is running for the Idaho House – Seat B – in Legislative District 6. In this segment, Rep. Mitchell talks about his work on Property Taxes, Education (school boards, reading proficiency, trades, etc.), the Second Amendment and how to reach out to him as a candidate!
Steve Keyser, a retired Police Officer, who is running for Legislative District 15 Seat A. Steve discusses his campaign issues – taxes – school choice – public safety – inflation but also talks about his personal commitment to the his work love for, and commitment to loving people (Steve is involved in church benevolence projects to help the poor, volunteers in the food pantry, the medical clinic and for the Idaho Agency on Aging to encourage grandparents fostering their grandchildren).
An advanced practice nurse (only 39 of them in the whole state), who is running for Legislative District 15 Seat B, discusses why she believes it’s important to have a nurse/medical voice in the legislature, what she’d like to see, legislatively, relative to healthcare issues, her thoughts on education and vocational opportunities. Dori also discusses the importance of her race.
Julie Ellsworth, the current State Treasurer who is running for re-election. Treasurer Ellsworth talks about the role of the Treasurer, the impact of inflation on the State’s finances, her fight against ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and its adverse impact on the market and how the Treasurer’s office can help in reducing Property Taxes.
We welcomed two-term Congressman Russ Fulcher, who is running for re-election in November for a third term. On KIRR, Congressman Fulcher discusses the Republican Congressional “Commitment to America” – An Economy that’s Strong – A Nation That’s Safe – A Future Built on Freedom. Congressman Fulcher also discusses the mischief that might happen during the “lame duck” congress and why it is so important to support Republicans in November!
Debbie Critchfield, candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction. She discusses her ideas on how to allocate the $410 million set aside for education in the 2022 Special Session, developing critical math and reading skills K-12, developing skills necessary to have students become productive citizens and how to help cover the “learning gap” during “COVID catch-up” period now – from the perspective of students and teachers.
Rep. Jason Monks (Legislative District 22) who discussed the Constitutional Amendment that will be on the November ballot. This Constitutional Amendment would allow the legislature to call itself back into session – so vote YES on this initiative. Rep. Monks also talks about his priorities for education monies set aside ($410 million) in the Special Session for the 2023 Regular Session and the importance of voting Republican in November.
Governor Brad Little who discussed his pushback on the Biden Administration's college debt forgiveness Executive Order, Idaho's "Empowering Parents Grants Program", initial thoughts on the 2023 session use for the projected surplus, tax rebates/tax cuts and the Esto Perpetua program's work in keeping drugs out of Idaho.
Representative Mike Moyle (Legislative District 14) to discuss the elements of House Bill 01 that passed the House 55-15. Rep. Moyle also discusses the recently withdrawn Reclaim Idaho initiative and why it was such a bad idea for Idahoans.
Director and Founder of Idaho Chooses Life. He provides an update on the pro-life movement in Idaho post Dobbs v. Mississippi and the promise he sees in loving babies and moms as Idaho protects, honors and cherishes life.
On the September 10, 2022 Keep Idaho Red Radio Show, we welcomed Representative Mike Moyle (Legislative District 14) to discuss the elements of House Bill 01 that passed the House 55-15. Rep. Moyle also discusses the recently withdrawn Reclaim Idaho initiative and why it was such a bad idea for Idahoans.
Idaho State Rep. Brent Crane to gain some “pre-Special Session” insight into HB01. HB01, which addressed tax relief, rebates and increased investment in education, passed the House (55-15), the Senate (34-1) and was signed by the Governor last week.