Janice McGeachin stands with her husband Jim in front of the Idaho Capitol building prior to taking the podium to announce her run for governor on May 19. His lieutenant governor took power and banned state vaccine mandates. Joseph Kren was the principal at Priest River Lamanna High School through last spring, when he left the school after 34 years in Idaho education. In her 3 years as lieutenant governor, she has publicly defied the governors pandemic requirements, issued executive orders in his absence and ignored the advice of the Idaho attorney generals office on release of public records. A political philosophy professor and a former Idaho State Board of Education president also sit on the 14-member assembly. Janice McGeachin walks down the front steps of the Idaho State Capitol building, with her husband Jim, prior to taking the podium to announce her run for Governor, Wednesday, May 19, 2021. A member of the Republican Party, she was previously a member of the Idaho House of Representatives from 2002 until 2012.[5]. A cadre of Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group with links to white supremacy, also stalked the grounds. Just put your head down and keep going. You know, Mr. Janice McGeachin takes a question from an attendee during a meet-and-greet campaign fundraiser at a Caldwell-area winery in April. And were both very grateful for that. 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. About . Brian Myrick / Idaho Press. McGeachins May 17 GOP primary is one of Idahos most-watched races, largely because it has determined the governor for the past seven elections in the heavily conservative state. Former Ada County Sheriff Gary Raney, a Republican, recently launched a political action committee with the support of a dozen retired members of Idaho law enforcement to advocate against McGeachin for governor. [59][73] She appeared at a rally for the Three Percenters, an anti-government militia movement group. "[23][24] McGeachin faced public criticism for the photo and quickly deleted it. Colleagues recognized her as a member of the more conservative wing of the Republican Party, sponsoring anti-abortion bills and stridently opposing the Affordable Care Act, passed under Democratic President Barack Obama. 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. [1] She graduated from Skyline High School in Idaho Falls and earned her B.S. 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. Hes my best friend, my strongest supporter, and my partner in life, she said. Janice McGeachin in her bid for governor, held May 4 at Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park in Meridian. Delivering the phone back to McGeachins daughter, he has some advice. [53][54] By fall 2021, Idaho had among the nation's lowest COVID-19 vaccination rates. A member of the Republican Party, she was previously a member of the Idaho House of Representatives from 2002 until 2012. Hes a career firefighter who has also represented his school district in the Idaho School Boards Association. [41][56][57] Overwhelmed by a surge of COVID-19 patients, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare activated "crisis standards" that allowed hospitals in the state to ration healthcare. McGeachin has the endorsement, which is something she has really highlighted in her campaign materials. 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. [43] In August 2020, McGeachin headlined a rally organized by the right-wing, conspiracist John Birch Society at the rally in Twin Falls, where speakers decried public health measures to combat the coronavirus. McGeachins push to become Idahos lead executive is her second campaign for statewide office after a narrow margin of victory in 2018s Republican primary for lieutenant governor. Suddenly, the bartender is zipping through the aisle asking those seated if they would like a shot. About halfway through, he reminded attendees about various forms of sin in the eyes of God. She went on to defeat Democratic candidate Kristin Collum in the general election with nearly 60% of votes. [31] The Idaho Statesman editorial board described the effort as "a manufactured witch hunt" driven by the "far-right fringe of Idaho's politics. Pull open the door on a Saturday evening dinner rush at The Celt Pub & Grill in Idaho Falls, and youll find nary a seat, except for maybe one at the bar. In recent months, she has testified in favor of policies targeting critical race theory and social justice in the classroom, at one point saying a controversial bill dealing with critical race theory did not go far enough to oust the content from public schools. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. It is estimated that her net worth is somewhere between $1 million and $3 million. Henry, a former Boise School District junior high teacher, said her 12-year-old daughter was bullied and beaten up, and their home address released online, leading to stalking, death threats and two break-in attempts. We need you, youre a fighter, she said, spurring McGeachin to dash on stage to embrace her booster. McGeachin now appears to be following the same political formula that led to Trumps rapid rise, Thompson said, including his defeat of President Joe Biden in Idaho in 2020 by nearly 31 percentage points, despite losing the national election. It was an affirmation to me when I won the lieutenant governors race, McGeachin said, before referencing her status as the first woman in the position, and chance of making history again as governor. Idaho Statesman reporters Ian Max Stevenson and Ryan Suppe contributed. [7][9][10][11] As chair of the state House Health and Welfare Committee, she cut Medicaid funding and voted against legislation to create a state-based health insurance exchange. The contest includes eight candidates, with the top three fundraisers so far being Little, the one-term incumbent and rancher from Emmett; McGeachin, owner of several businesses in Idaho Falls; and newcomer Ed Humphreys, a financial adviser who lives in Eagle. The Republican gubernatorial race also stands to have national implications, given Trumps involvement, as well as the likelihood that its victor will steer the direction of the state for at least the next four years after Novembers general election. The reverend on the task force lives in the Treasure Valley, has led a parachurch ministry for the last two decades, has a masters degree in curriculum and development and is a credentialed teacher in Idaho and California, Watters said. Ask Nampa resident Amy Henry, and shell eagerly explain how McGeachins one-day executive order banning masks was overdue, and a game-changer for Idaho schoolchildren. Professor Scott Yenor is a professor of political philosophy at Boise State University. Lt. Gov. [26], In February 2022, McGeachin appeared as a surprise video guest speaker at the America First Political Action Conference, hosted by prominent white nationalist Nick Fuentes. | Kevin Fixler kfixler@idahostatesman.com. McGeachin claims the in-house smoked chicken wings are the best in the state. 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. Janice McGeachin settles Idaho Press Club Lawsuit, Public records show McGeachin billed nearly $17,000 for her own legal fees in records lawsuit, Idaho leaders don't act on McGeachin legal fee request, Idaho lieutenant governor banned mask mandates while the governor was out of town. [55] A surge in COVID-19 cases first strained, and then surpassed, the capacity of the state's health care system. 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. (VanderSloot and his wife, Belinda, each donated campaign maximums of $5,000 to Little. One of the bartenders approaches the party of three to enlist use of a cellphone to take photos of the family from behind the bar. After buying and restoring the historic building, the McGeachins are celebrating the pubs 10-year anniversary in 2022. Its not all about I am woman, hear me roar, she said. 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. Sami Edge/Idaho Education News (UPDATED: Oct. 19, reflecting the death of Pete Coulson from COVID-19.) But, at that time, McGeachin also wasnt known for bucking the rules and norms of government, as shes more closely associated with today. But I think that this is the time that if we dont make the changes that need to happen, Idahos gone for our kids. 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. "[25] The Idaho Falls Post Register editorial board criticized McGeachin for embracing the 3 Percenters and militia movement. Grace Panetta and Nicole Gaudiano May 17, 2022, 8:00 PM - Idaho Lt. Gov. In February, McGeachin made national headlines after she appeared in a recorded video at a right-wing political event founded by a man who has repeatedly made antisemitic statements and is associated with white supremacists, according to a U.S. Department of Justice court filing. Michael Nelson said hes a former police officer who worked a 25-year career in the San Francisco area. She owns an Irish pub in Idaho Falls and co-owns a wholesale automotive parts supply store and a torque converter remanufacturing facility with her husband. 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. And I have had two healthy pregnancies, said McGeachin, long a vocal advocate against a womans right to obtain an abortion. [31] Idaho teachers described McGeachin's committee as a McCarthyist attack on teachers and a distraction from the challenges faced by Idaho's education system in reality. Janice McGeachin announces run for Idaho governor, "GOP leaders in Idaho have ties to extremist movement", Idaho healthcare leaders plead for coronavirus mask mandate, Idaho's Anti-Lockdown Lieutenant Governor Has Gone Rogue, "Republican National Convention approaches", "2 more candidates to run for Idaho lieutenant governor", "Janice McGeachin announces Lt. Idaho Lt. Gov. Governor to serve the state of Idaho. [42] During the pandemic, McGeachin repeatedly criticized Little for taking steps (such as closing physical businesses) to prevent the spread of the disease. She met her husband, Jimmy McGeachin, while she was in high school and he attended college at the University of Idaho, she said. She courts people who use intimidation and violence to terrorize other people, said Raney, who retired after a decade as sheriff in 2015. Janice McGeachin does not do that.. The McGeachins had their first child, a daughter, the year after they married. Jason Knopp is the vice chairman of the Melba School Districts board. [13], McGeachin was a delegate for Donald Trump at the 2016 Republican National Convention, and was vice-chair of Trump's Idaho campaign committee. Clearly the campaign believes its an important credential to highlight, she added. Hamilton, however, prefers to keep the focus of McGeachins candidacy on her credentials. Once the pandemic plunged local economies and governments into turmoil during a 37-day statewide, stay-at-home order, McGeachin began openly flouting Littles public health rules. Since winning the lieutenant governors office, McGeachin has regularly garnered the spotlight for her combative relationship with Little. In the second, in October, she prohibited public schools and the states Department of Education from requiring COVID-19 testing or vaccinations. The soup of the day is beef taco, and the $5 drink special is a melon berry ros sangria. The two got more serious when she moved back to their hometown. Two weeks before Idahos primary election, McGeachin stepped onto an outdoor stage on a Wednesday evening in front of a crowd of more than 1,000 people gathered at Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park in Meridian for a rally in her honor. 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. 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. [9] Trump endorsed McGeachin's candidacy. Who is Janice McGeachin Husband? Its in our homes, she said. Janice McGeachin, her husband and their two adult children share ownership of The Celt Pub & Grill, an Irish-themed bar and restaurant in downtown Idaho Falls. And this is a manifestation of it in our face. | Kevin Fixler, kfixler@idahostatesman.com. Traditionally the officeholder in the bench-warmer spot has waited until the governor chose to end his run, or transitioned to a federal position. We will restore health freedom and end the threat of medical tyranny. Isaac Moffett founded the now-defunct Nampa Classical Academy and drew headlines in 2009 when his school sued the state in hopes of using the Bible and other religious texts in his charter schools curriculum. Today, hers is a household name throughout Idaho, even if many people are still unsure how to say it. Janice McGeachin", Far-right Idaho lieutenant governor McGeachin announces bid to unseat Little as governor, Lieutenant governor candidates differ on Medicaid, wages, Idaho Republicans push opposition to Medicaid expansion, "Days before filing begins, several candidates declare their intentions", November 6, 2018 General Election Results: Statewide Totals, "Idaho Governor Primary Election Results", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Janice_McGeachin&oldid=1142145521, This page was last edited on 28 February 2023, at 19:27. 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. During her time at Skyline High, McGeachin was a member of the schools choreographed drill team, involved in student council and also voted homecoming royalty. Because sin is progressive, right? Brown told the congregation. "[43] By July 2020, after the state's economy had reopened, Idaho saw a spike in coronavirus cases. McGeachin herself donned a mask at times around the Capitol during a statewide peak of COVID-19 from the delta variant, telling the Statesman she did so out of respect for others who were there. She committed, however, to accepting the results of the states May primary, believing voting irregularities in Idaho where Trump won big were not large scale. Sex with animals.. She protested at rallies, in direct violation of the orders, before showing up to the reopening of a brewpub in North Idaho that defied the governors requirements. [8] As a Republican, she was a member of the Idaho House of Representatives from 2002 to 2012. As part of a 10-point platform in her first 100 days as governor, McGeachin said she will work to prevent and eliminate all pandemic-related public health mandates, add incentives to increase production of firearms and ammunition in the state and strengthen abortion restrictions. Lt. Gov. 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. It is time to make Idaho free again, she said. McGeachins tenure in the Legislature included serving as chair of the House Health and Welfare Committee. Elaine King previously ran for the Idaho House of Representatives in District 34, which covers the Rexburg area, in 2018, but lost in the Republican primary. Amid a deluge of partisan cheerleading, anti-LGBTQ speech and Trump worship from invited speakers, Idahos lieutenant governor took hold of the mic. Moderation in pursuit of justice is no virtue. . Shes touted her business acumen as a reason why shes qualified, said David Roth, former chair of the Bonneville County Democratic Party, now running to challenge U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, in November. Janice McGeachin's association with extreme, anti-law enforcement factions has prompted them to oppose her run for governor. Occupying a largely ceremonial role, the lieutenant governor acts as president of the Senate. Follow Blake on Twitter @jonesblakej. Lt. Gov. 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. During one of her final pitches to voters, McGeachin closely followed the path laid out before her by right-wing conservatives in the Trump era. | Kevin Fixler kfixler@idahostatesman.com. McGeachin told the Statesman she didnt issue the orders thinking the governor would automatically reverse her statewide decrees. Janice McGeachin enters the house chambers at the state Capitol building on Jan. 10, 2022 in Boise, Idaho. Former state Rep. Jeff Thompson, an Idaho Falls Republican who served two terms in the House with McGeachin, drew a parallel between his old friends political shift and Trumps unexpected ascension in the Republican Party in 2016, all the way to the Oval Office. Janice McGeachin, who's running for governor, has thrown some of her political weight into a child welfare case involving a 10-month-old baby. Much of the ongoing feud appears to have arisen from the governors decisions during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic helping inspire her to become the second lieutenant governor since 1932 to take on the Idaho governor in a primary, according to Kettlers analysis. [5] 3-2-1, he says, tapping the phones touch-screen shutter. [37] Separately, McGeachin's attorneys billed her almost $17,000 to defend her in the records lawsuit; McGeachin said in 2022 that the public did not pay for these legal fees.
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