Idaho Dispatch

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Congressman Simpson, Lt. Governor Bedke Oppose Proposition 1

By • October 18, 2024

Congressman Mike Simpson (R – Congressional District 2) and Lt. Governor Scott Bedke (R) both say they are opposed to Proposition 1.

Prop 1 would implement a top four primary system and ranked choice voting fo the general election. According to a Zoldak Research/Idaho Dispatch poll conducted earlier this month, the “no” vote on Prop 1 leads the “yes” vote in a close race by 5.8%.

Idaho Dispatch has contacted current state, legislative, and congressional elected officials to learn their positions on Prop 1. The full list can be seen by clicking here.

Yesterday, Idaho Dispatch heard radio ads from Republicans for Idaho, a Political Action Committee funded mainly by Frank VanderSloot’s company Malealuca. The ads said Simpson opposed Prop 1. However, Simpson had not made a public statement on the issue.

Idaho Dispatch called Simpson’s office today and confirmed with his staff that he opposes Prop 1, particularly Ranked Choice Voting. However, Simpson’s staff said a public statement on the issue is unlikely.

Additionally, Idaho Dispatch contacted Bedke after rumors that he opposed Prop 1 had surfaced. We also confirmed with Bedke that he is opposed to Prop 1.

Simpson’s opposition to Prop 1 means that all of Idaho’s congressional delegation is opposed. Senator Jim Risch (R), Senator Mike Crapo (R), and Representative Russ Fulcher (R—Congressional District 1) had all previously opposed Prop 1 in public statements.

Bedke’s opposition to Prop 1 joins Gov. Brad Little (R) who came out opposed to Prop 1 several weeks ago. Their opposition aligns with House Speaker Mike Moyle (R – Star) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Winder (R – Meridian), who oppose Prop 1.

Former Republican Governor Butch Otter remains the highest-ranking Republican to support the measure. Additionally, former Republican House Speaker Bruce Newcomb also supports Prop 1.

Out of the 105 legislators, the breakdown for support, opposition, and those who have not taken a stance are as follows:

Idaho Senate

Republicans: 22 – Opposed, 1 – Supports, 5 – Unknown
Democrats: 0 – Opposed, 4 – Supports, 3 – Unknown

Idaho House

Republicans: 38 – Opposed, 1 – Supports, 1 – Will Not Take a Stance, 19 – Unknown
Democrats: 0* – Opposed, 2 – Supports, 9 – Unknown
(*Note: Rep. Ilana Rubel (D – Boise) has been rumored to oppose, but Idaho Dispatch has not been able to confirm.)

Do you support Prop 1? Let us know in the comments below.

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Tags: Mike Simpson, Prop 1, Proposition 1, Ranked Choice Voting, RCV News, Scott Bedke

7 thoughts on “Congressman Simpson, Lt. Governor Bedke Oppose Proposition 1

  1. One of these individuals I do not trust. The other…even less.

    Actions speak louder than words, gentlemen…and yours speak so loudly I cannot hear a word you’re saying. First chance I get to vote on the possibility of getting you out, you’re gone.

    1. Phill McGrane Secretary of State has chosen to protect special interests and not the people of Idaho. No proposition should have 2 items on the ballot in Idaho. This is a California tactic used by Governor Newsom. Ignoring Idaho laws for out of state money? Seems to be a pattern in Idaho and in California.

  2. I will not be supporting Prop 1. I do not believe in taking the votes from the lowest ranked candidates and giving them to the next lowest candidates. When the candidates with the least amount of votes is kicked out then his votes should be kicked out with him, NOT given to the next in line. That is not right. It’s too easy to stack the candidates. Every Californian that comes to our store say “don’t do it, you will regret it. One party can stack the votes to where the candidate you DO NOT WANT ends up with your vote.” NO I am totally against it. I am sorry for the Independents, it affects them the most, but, they chose that party, not me. I just don’t believe in giving the ‘low man on the totem poles’ votes to the next in line. What if I do not want that candidate, ever! My vote could be going to the candidate I want the least to win.

  3. Thankfully Idaho has already removed Luna and Winder from relevance.
    Now, onward to remove Bedke, Simpson and McGrane.

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