We haven't heard from Idaho Republicans in a bit, let's see
what those fine fellows are up to:
Republicans aiming to run for governor, the Idaho Legislature or even county coroner may first have to win approval from GOP leaders, according to a proposed internal party rule change that's arisen following the 2013 Legislature's hotly-debated vote for a state-based insurance exchange.
Numerous other rule changes are also on the docket, including a proposal to single out GOP lawmakers for voting in a way that "contradicts the Republican ideals." They could be punished with withdrawal of financial support, according to that proposal.
Hmm. I see the purge of potential moderates continues be a defining party ideal.
At issue appears to be Gov. Butch Otter (R-BestNameEver)'s push for a state insurance exchange, i.e. that he caved into the cruel Obamacare plot that all true patriots know is the worstest thing to ever happen to America. That battle pitted Republican against Republican in ways that made hardline Republicans very sad, and the hardliners are peeved enough about that they're looking to pass new rules saying that from now on, the hardliners are in charge and you can't even run as a Republican unless the state GOP's Central Committee (no, that's the actual name) approves of your candidacy first.
Surprisingly, even some Republicans take issue with the thought of the Central Committee deciding who the party's candidates will be, so it's not clear how many of the pondered party-pooper proposals will properly prosper. We'll find out after the Committee meets to consider them this weekend.