Congressman Simpson Given Vote of “No Confidence” at Idaho Republican Central Committee Winter Meeting

Over the weekend, the Idaho Republican Party met to debate, discuss, and vote on rules and resolutions for the party.

The Idaho Republican Party 2021 Winter State Central Committee meeting takes place to help determine the party’s direction. Some of those resolutions can be aimed at particular party members if they feel that they are not in line with the party values of a particular issue.

On Saturday, the Idaho Republican Party gave Congressman Mike Simpson (R) a vote of “No Confidence” due to his recent efforts to promote breaching the dams in Idaho to try and save the salmon.

Advertisement

The vote itself was done as a “voice vote,” so it is unclear what the count of the vote was.

Idaho Dispatch did obtain a copy of a portion of the resolution, but we also are told the following image was also changed so that Simpson was named specifically in the resolution and not just his job title as the 2nd Congressional District Congressman. That amendment was put forward by State Senator Christy Zito (R-Hammett).

Advertisement

Idaho Dispatch reached out to Simpson’s office for comment, but we have not received a response at this time.

Simpson’s plan to breach the dams has been criticized by Congressman Russ Fulcher (R), Sen. Mike Crapo (R), and Sen. Jim Risch (R). Several environmental groups, however, are supporting Simpson’s plan.

Here is the Press Release sent out by Simpson’s office on February 7, 2021, about the dams issue and Simpson’s hope that by breaching the dams it might save salmon in Idaho:

Washington, D.C. – Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson has released a framework for reimagining the Northwest energy landscape and recovering critically endangered salmon populations. For the last three years, he and his staff have held over 300 meetings with stakeholders, tribes, elected representatives and other interests trying to understand and break down the complex issues related to the ongoing litigation, studies, appeals, biological opinions, spill and other issues creating regional uncertainty related to salmon recovery, dams, energy and transportation.

“The Northwest has been caught in an unsustainable cycle of conflicts over salmon and energy,” said Simpson. “For over thirty years, lawsuits, appeals, salmon management directives and endless spending have prevailed, while salmon, energy, agriculture and transportation interests continue to suffer.  What I am releasing today is a proposal to break that cycle and deliver certainty and security to the Northwest without picking winners and losers.”

Simpson has posted a “concept” to his website that outlines a possible path forward for the Northwest to end salmon litigation.  The goal is to protect all stakeholders, maximize the benefits of the Bonneville System and the Northwest’s abundant renewable solar, wind and hydroelectric resources, as well as giving our salmon a much better chance at recovery.

“I understand that after 30 years of litigation and conflict that it is difficult for people to envision a different way forward,” said Simpson. “Changes of this magnitude might be unnerving at first, but we have a unique opportunity to create a solution that finally puts a stop to the never-ending salmon wars. This concept could take Idaho’s salmon off the path toward extinction and put them on a more certain path of sustainability and viability. We CAN protect our stakeholders and modernize our energy system for the next fifty-plus years, and we CAN do this on our terms.”

Simpson concluded, “I am not releasing legislation today, but I am beginning a conversation and asking the Northwest Delegation, states, tribes, governors, and all stakeholders: ‘What do we want the Northwest to look like in 30, 40, 50 years?’  We can seize this chance to shape our future; if we resist the urge to make snap judgments and instead work together to solve these issues ONCE and for all.  We owe it to future generations to try.”

The concept can be found in detail on Congressman Simpson’s website.

Simpson has admitted that breaching the dams may not save the salmon but feels it is worth trying.

What do you think of the Idaho Republican Party’s vote of “no confidence” in Simpson? What do you think of Simpson’s goal to breach the dams to try and save salmon?

Let us know in the comment section below!

Also, be sure to become a monthly supporter of Idaho Dispatch today by going to IdahoDispatch.com/Subscribe and help us grow our efforts to bring Idaho news as you have always wanted it!