Liberal towns in Idaho

[Disciple1975]

Originally Posted by VandalsLOL

It all depends on your perspective and understanding of the state's political and cultural history and context. Things are always changing.

What is your opinion then?

[VandalsLOL]

Originally Posted by Disciple1975

What is your opinion then?

Well, I partly stated in in the post above yours.

I do think that areas of the state are getting both more Republican and more radicalized/partisan. I don't even think it's getting necessarily more fiscally conservative, but definitely more socially conservative. Definitely more of a dislike of federal government, definitely more that seek to get away from the rest of the world. But I stress that those attitudes are only found in some parts of the state. You certainly don't see it as much in Southern Idaho, especially Boise, but not in Blaine County, Twin Falls County, and I would argue that you don't even see it as much in eastern Idaho.

But for many reasons, some of them very complicated, the attitudes are dominated by certain groups and factions within the legislature. About 5 years ago some of the freshmen came in and kind of walked all over the order and establishment in the legislature... which was very controversial at the time but in retrospect was a pretty bold move, to their credit. But right now you see some of the more extreme members dominate the discussions, whereas someone like, say, Bedke or Bell, or Newcomb when he was in there, really got pushed to the margins.

[Disciple1975]

Originally Posted by VandalsLOL

Well, I partly stated in in the post above yours.

I do think that areas of the state are getting both more Republican and more radicalized/partisan. I don't even think it's getting necessarily more fiscally conservative, but definitely more socially conservative. Definitely more of a dislike of federal government, definitely more that seek to get away from the rest of the world. But I stress that those attitudes are only found in some parts of the state. You certainly don't see it as much in Southern Idaho, especially Boise, but not in Blaine County, Twin Falls County, and I would argue that you don't even see it as much in eastern Idaho.

But for many reasons, some of them very complicated, the attitudes are dominated by certain groups and factions within the legislature. About 5 years ago some of the freshmen came in and kind of walked all over the order and establishment in the legislature... which was very controversial at the time but in retrospect was a pretty bold move, to their credit. But right now you see some of the more extreme members dominate the discussions, whereas someone like, say, Bedke or Bell, or Newcomb when he was in there, really got pushed to the margins.

That's about what I thought you'd say and it pretty much confirms my impression. I would be willing to bet the non-liberals on this forum think about the opposite as you with regards to your answer, which pretty much tells me that nothing has changed except for maybe the degree of polarization that is apparent. It is probably less so in Idaho than with the rest of the country as a whole though. Liberals in the political sense are a minority in ID so they probably feel like they have to be louder or more vocal to seem more relevant or equal.

[boi2socal]

Originally Posted by Disciple1975

Liberals in the political sense are a minority in ID so they probably feel like they have to be louder or more vocal to seem more relevant or equal.

This goes for both sides depending on the state. Look at comment sections on KTVB or Idaho Statesman regarding Butch Otter. I think moderate Republicans are still scared to vote Democrat and Liberal Idahoans are apathetic. Go to the LA Times and you would think California is some Conservative strong hold. Everyone on there complains about "Liberal California" and blames immigrants for everything. P.S. California just paid off its debt a year earlier than planned. A debt taken on by a Republican. Go figure.

[Syringaloid]

I read an article recently, I will try to locate it, about how Otter's approval rating is very low across the state currently. It also mentioned that the reason he won again is that there wasn't a strong enough contender to beat him and also he won because voter turnout was very low.


Something interesting,

How Idaho Became A One Party State | Boise State Public Radio

[Disciple1975]

Originally Posted by Syringaloid

I read an article recently, I will try to locate it, about how Otter's approval rating is very low across the state currently. It also mentioned that the reason he won again is that there wasn't a strong enough contender to beat him and also he won because voter turnout was very low.


Something interesting,

How Idaho Became A One Party State | Boise State Public Radio

Yep, polarization. Same reason conservatives would vote for Jeb Bush over any liberal/Dem candidate and libs would vote for Hillary over any conservative candidate in today's times.

[VandalsLOL]

Originally Posted by Disciple1975

That's about what I thought you'd say and it pretty much confirms my impression. I would be willing to bet the non-liberals on this forum think about the opposite as you with regards to your answer, which pretty much tells me that nothing has changed except for maybe the degree of polarization that is apparent. It is probably less so in Idaho than with the rest of the country as a whole though. Liberals in the political sense are a minority in ID so they probably feel like they have to be louder or more vocal to seem more relevant or equal.

I'm not trying to suggest that Idaho was ever a Democratic or liberal stronghold, but rather, the local politics was less divisive. Nor was I trying to suggest that people who have political viewpoints that differ from my own don't matter.

What I am saying is that there has been a sea change of political temperament in this state, which might reflect the nation at large, I really don't know, but it is increasingly being shaped by newcomers. People who were fed up with their old states and have come to Idaho thinking it is some sort of haven for certain views or politics. And that the perception of Idaho now doesn't reflect what Idaho has been historically: it is very much a relatively new thing. Do you realize that there's a pretty substantial division even within the ranks of Idaho republicans that is becoming increasingly contentious? If you follow the primaries you'll see this playing out.