Lt. Gov. [18] In the voter pamphlet she wrote, she hoped to help the governor "by increasing our freedoms and liberties, free from the bonds of excessive government regulations. And thats whats not fair., Lt. Gov. Politics isnt always viewed as a place for girls. 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. 30 talking about this. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com, If you ask the kids, Henry told a small crowd gathered during a fundraiser at a Caldwell-area winery, the very best day that they had last year, it was the one day that she (issued) the executive order for them to go to school without a mask. The room erupted in cheers and applause, as one attendee shouted, FREEDOM!. Excuse me, I really like what youre doing here, he says, to which she thanks him, and chats for a moment. Brian Myrick / Idaho Press. Its a daily process, she said. Janice McGeachin, take questions during a meet-and-greet campaign fundraiser at a Caldwell-area winery in April. Thats where the battle is going to be, and thats why Im running for governor.. When they passed gay marriage, they opened Pandoras box. Shortly after taking office, she posted and hastily deleted a photo to Facebook posing in front of her Capitol office with two men flashing the movements hand gesture. 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. We just like to keep our businesses separate from the politics as much as possible, McGeachin said, picking at her fingernails. Janice McGeachin (then Kyes), lower right, appears in her sophomore year portrait in the 1979 yearbook for Skyline High School, located in Idaho Falls. She also inquired with the Idaho National Guard about ordering troops to the U.S.-Mexico border that Little was visiting. 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. 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. [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. About . [9] Trump endorsed McGeachin's candidacy. McGeachin lists the First Presbyterian Church of Idaho Falls on her campaign website, but said she hasnt regularly attended the church for a couple years. 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. In 2012, she and her family . My disagreements with his decisions of shutting businesses down and managing the pandemic grew, McGeachin said. 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. All rights reserved, If you choose local pickup, please get your gift certificate at our office at 400 W. Sunnyside in Idaho Falls Dismiss, defended accepting the coronavirus relief payments, Man charged with murder in Dylan Rounds case, Caught on camera: Moose charges snowmobilers by Palisades, Man allegedly kidnapped woman, held air freshener to her nose and mouth, Giant flying insect found on Walmart building turns out to be Jurassic-era find, Video shows suspect with blood stains as he cleaned gun following Dylan Rounds disappearance, charges say. Janice McGeachin presented her 10-point gubernatorial platform for her first 100 days in office during a press conference on the Idaho Capitol steps in March. McGeachin has been married to Jim McGeachin for quite some time. On Palm Sunday, the week before Easter, several hundred people arrived at the Cowboy Church well more than the sign on the wall listing a maximum occupancy of 100. She entered politics in 2002 when elected to a seat in the state house. Malkin has promoted anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant rhetoric. Branden Durst hopes to win the May 17 GOP state superintendents primary by running against all things Sherri Ybarra and Debbie Critchfield. 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. Hamilton, however, prefers to keep the focus of McGeachins candidacy on her credentials. McGeachin said she was an early adopter of Trump leading the Republican Party. "[52], McGeachin has used her office to promote misinformation to disparage COVID-19 vaccines. "[43] By July 2020, after the state's economy had reopened, Idaho saw a spike in coronavirus cases. But a group of retired police officers and. Beck is not sure how McGeachin made the connection to Trump, he said, but she did it all on her own. As a result of many of her more controversial decisions, McGeachin has become a third rail of Idaho politics. The federal government has gotten to be so big and is interfering so much in all of our lives as states. 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. [42] During the pandemic, McGeachin repeatedly criticized Little for taking steps (such as closing physical businesses) to prevent the spread of the disease. Id say shes more withdrawn today, Winder, who supports Little, told the Statesman. Janice McGeachin takes a question from an attendee during a meet-and-greet campaign fundraiser at a Caldwell-area winery in April. McGeachin named Margaret Thatcher, the former prime minister of the United Kingdom, and former Republican U.S. Rep. Helen Chenoweth-Hage, of Idaho, as two women she admires. [48], In July 2020, McGeachin condemned federal economic relief granted during the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. Because sin is progressive, right? Brown told the congregation. Brian Myrick / Idaho Press. All Rights Reserved. May 27, 2021 Lt. Gov. As a man in the audience yelled a vulgarity about Little referencing the female anatomy, drawing laughter from the crowd, McGeachin accused the incumbent governor of losing touch with Idaho values, and turning his back on residents during the pandemic. McGeachin was born Janice Kyes on January 18, 1963, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Little Says He Hasn't Spoken To Lt. Gov McGeachin In Weeks, Cases of coronavirus in Idaho spike after businesses reopen, Lt. Gov. A boat repair lot sits across the street. Laura van Voorhees recently moved to Kootenai County from California. McGeachin on Fauci: I'll "lock him up", "Idaho Gov. 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. Members continue to include an Idaho Freedom Foundation employee and a charter school leader who pushed to use the Bible in public schools. Conservative Republican & Principled America First Warrior who always stands up for individual rights 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. Shes marvelous. It is estimated that her net worth is somewhere between $1 million and $3 million. Janice McGeachin, as Senate president, presides over a session in March. [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. We need you, youre a fighter, she said, spurring McGeachin to dash on stage to embrace her booster. | Kevin Fixler kfixler@idahostatesman.com. Well, whats after that? Littles staff never returned her umpteen-million phone calls, she said. Sometimes they refer to us as being extreme for our views, McGeachin said, before reading a quote from the late Republican U.S. Sen. Barry Goldwater. The single-story, cinder block building outside of Boise formerly housed a diesel fuel wholesaler. [14][15][16][17], In April 2017, McGeachin filed to run for lieutenant governor of Idaho. The committee was premised on the notion that "the scourge of critical race theory, socialism, communism, and Marxism" was "infiltrating" the Idaho school and college system. McGeachin drew similar scrutiny over several incidents that included members of the Three Percenters, which the Anti-Defamation League labels an anti-government militia movement. Janice McGeachin, the renegade lieutenant governor of Idaho who is running for governor, likes to portray herself as a law-and-order candidate. EastIdahoNews.com, LLC. 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. calls that 'shameful', Idaho governor repeals political rival's executive order. 2023 Idaho Ed News. 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. 3-2-1, he says, tapping the phones touch-screen shutter. Supporters and opponents acknowledge, though, she and her growing persona are anything but, with McGeachin increasingly invoking militarized rhetoric and a blend of patriotism and faith as rival political factions signal an intensifying culture war. Janice McGeachin facing public condemnation over photo with 3 Percenters", "Idaho Lieutenant Governor Faces Backlash For Photo Supporting Jailed Militiaman", "Idaho Lt. Gov. 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. You know, Mr. That was as true as ever, she said, almost 46 years ago when she was in junior high and the Teton Dam failed, flooding southeastern Idaho. [40][46] At the rally, McGeachin criticized Little and other state officials. President, how do you deal with some of this stuff when you were kind of under fire? He said: Never back down. . [71] Of Idaho's 44 counties, McGeachin carried just four, all in the Idaho Panhandle. McGeachin Signs Executive Order on Mask Mandates, "Idaho healthcare leaders plead for coronavirus mask mandate", Idaho lieutenant governor keeps focus on vaccine mandates, McGeachin's office used misleading number to disparage COVID vaccines, Idaho hospitals begin rationing health care amid COVID surge, Idaho under statewide 'crisis standards' for rationing care, Idaho morgues are running out of space for bodies as covid-19 deaths mount, Idaho governor asks people to get COVID-19 vaccine. 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. 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. We are in a Marxist takeover, a communist takeover (in) this country. Janice is a former State Representative and a successful business owner from Idaho Falls who, along with her husband Jim McGeachin, own and operate multiple businesses in the automotive industry, with stores in Idaho Falls and Boise. Janice McGeachin Thursday unveiled the membership list of her new "Task Force to Examine . Janet Adams is a retired Coeur dAlene lawyer. 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. Clearly the campaign believes its an important credential to highlight, she added. [77], McGeachin was unopposed for the Republican primary[78] and for the general election. Idaho already would ban abortion if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the precedent-setting case of Roe v. Wade. 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. The departure had nothing to do with his participation on the task force, Moffett told the Idaho State Journal. Karen McGee is a former Idaho State Board of Education executive director and president. And I have had two healthy pregnancies, said McGeachin, long a vocal advocate against a womans right to obtain an abortion. Henry then met McGeachin during a rally against requiring schoolchildren to wear masks in the classroom held on the Capitol steps, and explained her familys traumatic experience. Its not all about I am woman, hear me roar, she said. McGeachin was unopposed for the Republican primary[76] and the general election. She more often drops into one in the Wood River Valley, she said, and another, more worship-based congregation in Idaho Falls called Watersprings Church. I stood with them when Mr. Little sent his law enforcement into their business and threatened to take their license away, she told a crowd at a rally last week in Meridian. Rev. [31] The Idaho Statesman editorial board described the effort as "a manufactured witch hunt" driven by the "far-right fringe of Idaho's politics. The McGeachins are known for frequenting their pub. Governor promotes 'walk-thru disinfectant cubes', Idaho lieutenant governor got pandemic loans for business, Acting as Idaho Governor, Lt. Gov. McGeachin told the Statesman she didnt issue the orders thinking the governor would automatically reverse her statewide decrees. Idaho Lt. Traditionally the officeholder in the bench-warmer spot has waited until the governor chose to end his run, or transitioned to a federal position. 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 and her husband, Jim, stand on the steps of the Idaho State Capitol as she announced her run for Governor in Boise on May 19, 2021. Professor Scott Yenor is a professor of political philosophy at Boise State University. ), Beck and his wife, Lynn, each contributed campaign maximums to McGeachin for the primary, according to Idaho secretary of state records, as well as tens of thousands of dollars more to several far-right candidates, political action committees and the Republican National Committee. 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. It is time to make Idaho free again, she said. McGeachin. She defeated four rivals for the job, receiving 29% of the vote to edge former state GOP chair Steve Yates by fewer than 3,000 votes. We must actively support those with the courage to resist tyranny. Wearing a black Stetson, Brown looked out onto the congregation filled with people of all ages and launched into a 40-minute lesson from the Book of Revelation about where to put ones faith, and how to prepare for judgment. 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. Ive been pregnant twice. 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. Janice McGeachin enters the house chambers at the state Capitol building on Jan. 10, 2022 in Boise, Idaho. In addition, McGeachin threw open the doors of her familys pub in Idaho Falls before the order preventing bars from reopening lapsed. Janice McGeachin in her bid for governor, held May 4 at Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park in Meridian. 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. A member of the Republican Party, she was previously a member of the Idaho House of Representatives from 2002 until 2012.[5]. [29], In 2021, McGeachin convened an "education indoctrination task force" co-chaired by fellow Republican Priscilla Giddings. [27][28][29] McGeachin was apparently one of the highest-ranking elected officials to address the far-right conference. What is Janice McGeachin Net Worth? Sex with animals.. Janice McGeachin's association with extreme, anti-law enforcement factions has prompted them to oppose her run for governor. PHOTOS: Lt. Gov. Previously unidentified, five other task force members introduced themselves at the task forces inaugural meeting. McGeachin and her husband also own and operate an auto parts distribution center, a machine shop and two transmission repair shops. Another source of inspiration for McGeachin can frequently be found hanging around her neck. Governor Janice McGeachin posed with and then posted on Facebook pictures she had taken with two members of The Three Percenters. Lt. Gov. 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. 2015 - 2023 Defend & Protect Idaho said the effort is a response to what they call rising instances of dangerous extremism and militia mentality around the state, and McGeachins ties to them. [63], In December 2020, the month after Donald Trump lost the presidential election to Joe Biden, McGeachin, along with Little, Idaho's two Republican U.S. House members, and other Idaho Republican election officials, signed on to an amicus brief supporting Texas' attempt to overturn the results of the presidential election by rejecting millions of votes in four key states won by Biden. [20] During the 2018 campaign, McGeachin took security guards with her to a debate at the Idaho Public Television station in Boise, although there was no known threat against her, and characterized them as "friends. Around town, its known more colloquially as the Cowboy Church. McGeachin told The New York Times that Trump called her the day after she defended the former president in a June 2021 appearance on Fox News commentator Tucker Carlsons TV show, and she slipped in her intent to challenge Little during the conversation and asked for Trumps support. Her relationship with Little finally boiled over last year when McGeachin leveraged the Idaho Constitution, which bestows power upon her position when the governor is out of state, and issued a pair of pandemic-related executive orders. He's a lifelong Idahoan, and holds degrees in Creative Writing and Political Economy from the College of Idaho. Hamilton, also McGeachins part-time director of communications this past legislative session, said the pendant epitomized her feelings toward the lieutenant governor, and is also a message she hoped her friend would keep close to her heart out on the campaign trail. The soup of the day is beef taco, and the $5 drink special is a melon berry ros sangria. [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. In each case, Little returned the next day and rescinded McGeachins order, calling the first instance an irresponsible, self-serving political stunt.. Ive made my statements about who I am and what I believe in, McGeachin told the Idaho Statesman in a sit-down interview. He recently served as principal of Marsh Valley Middle School in East Idaho, but split from the school after one school year after signing a separation agreement May 13, a week before his membership on the task force was announced, EdNews reported. "[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. Delivering the phone back to McGeachins daughter, he has some advice. Henry, who founded a conservative activist group that she calls Parents for Freedom and Liberty, has since gone all-in on McGeachins run for governor. Those who will speak about McGeachins early days in office describe her as friendly, a social butterfly who would host small parties in a rental condo during the legislative session, and go for drinks after work. (VanderSloot and his wife, Belinda, each donated campaign maximums of $5,000 to Little. [38] Little also noted that her order duplicated a proposed bill that had failed to pass the state legislature. [22] She opposes abortion, same-sex marriage, and gun control. [81], McGeachin was unopposed for the Republican primary. [6], McGeachin supported Mitt Romney in the 2008 Republican Party presidential primaries[12] and the 2012 Republican Party presidential primaries. 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. When I am struggling, I know where I need to go to get strength, wisdom, encouragement. [73], McGeachin and Republican Representative Larry C. Bradford were re-districted to 31A. Little and McGeachin have become famously locked in disharmony. The residents came together and pulled through, McGeachin said. 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. Sonya Harris is a politically active Blackfoot school board trustee. 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. Its in our homes, she said. Also joining were nationally known special guests freedom fighters, as McGeachin dubs them including former Fox News commentator Michelle Malkin and Arizona state Sen. Wendy Rogers, who each endorse McGeachin. A few challengers ran spendy races and unseated Statehouse incumbents. Idahoans have a critically important choice to make a choice that will determine the course of our state for years to come. [1] She graduated from Skyline High School in Idaho Falls and earned her B.S.
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