The mantra of ‘change’ swept across the country as Barack Obama was elected the first African-American President of the United States. What is interesting about the results is that, while President-Elect Obama captured the popular vote, the total number of citizens voting nationwide for the two major party candidates dropped by a little over 2 million from the 2004 election.  

 

Idaho did a little changing itself. As has been widely reported, Idaho voters did unseat Republican Bill Sali and opted to send Democrat Walt Minnick to the United States Congress. The turnout in Idaho was a little different story than the national picture where the 2008 Presidential election garnered 41,000 more votes than in 2004. But the idea of change did not sweep its way into the state Legislative races. With all of the votes counted, only one seat in the 105-member legislature will change parties – Republican Jeff Thompson beat out first-term Democrat Jerry Shively. When the legislative session convenes in January, the state Senate will have the exact same make-up as last year with 28 Republicans and 7 Democrats. The House of Representatives will have 52 Republicans and 18 Democrats. 

 

During this election cycle, the Idaho Prosperity Fund endorsed 51 candidates for the state legislature, of which 45 were successful (88%).  While the Idaho Prosperity Fund does not give direct contributions to candidates, it does provide Independent Expenditures (IE) on behalf of candidates. All of the legislative races in which the Idaho Prosperity Fund Board voted to participate with independent expenditures were successful:

 

Rep. Eric Anderson in District 1

Sen. John Goedde in District 4

Sen. Lee Heinrich in District 8

Rep. Ken Roberts in District 8

Rep. Paul Shepherd in District 8

 

While there was not much change in the Idaho Legislature on Election Day, there is still some movement to come. Lt. Governor Jim Risch was elected to the United States Senate, which will now put focus on Governor Otter as to whom he will appoint as the next Lt. Governor of Idaho.

 

In Ada County, voters approved by 67% the ACHD request to double registration fees to fund new roads. In Kootenai County, voters resoundingly rejected similar requests. The question left in many minds was: did the local government in the county ask too much? There were requests for $181 million to build county offices, a ½ cent local option sales tax increase to build a new jail, and a new $24 per vehicle registration fee – all of which failed with at least 60% voting “NO.”

 

In anticipation of transportation funding taking center stage in Idaho in 2009, these mixed results offer clues into Idahoans’ appetite for funding increases to maintain our roads. Some would say that, while Ada County has been accustomed to the additional fees, those outside of Ada County are anticipating a fee increase and are therefore taking a wait-and-see approach before offering to supplement local government initiatives.

 

On the national front, the AFL-CIO has made it clear that their top priority starting in the new Congress is to implement what is referred to as “Card Check” legislation. This summer IACI communicated to our congressional delegation its opposition to this legislation. At the center of the proposed legislation is a provision that would eliminate the secret ballot election process for employees, thus allowing union officials to pressure employees into forming unions and closing shops even in a state like Idaho that respects an employee’s right to work.

IACI also anticipates significant action on the issue of climate change. While many of our members are taking pro-active steps to reduce their “carbon footprint,” federal action could sweep in new regulations without clear solutions, forcing employers to make hard choices about investing in the growth of their companies and potentially costing jobs.  IACI will remain vigilant and supply our members with as much information as possible on this important issue.

The Idaho priorities largely focus on investing in Idaho’s infrastructure. In a down economy we must work hard to provide an environment for growth that respects our quality of life while simultaneously building new opportunity for Idaho’s citizens. Our plan is to work with the Idaho Governor, Legislature and other officials to build on our past success, and outline a clear path forward that encourages existing businesses to grow and new business to form providing prosperity for all. For a look into our priorities, please visit this website for regular updates on the progress of the public policy initiatives to achieve our goals.