[40][46] In October 2020, McGeachin appeared in a video by the right-wing Idaho Freedom Foundation in which she wielded a gun and Bible, railed against COVID-19 public-health measures, and questioned whether "a pandemic may or may not be occurring. This group is described by Steve Taggart in his most recent Idaho Politics Weekly post as "wacky and extremist at best." 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. [58] McGeachin also opposes vaccine mandates. Laura van Voorhees recently moved to Kootenai County from California. It makes me feel good that both Jimmy and I have created a life for them that they want to be close to their parents, McGeachin said. [58][52], In October 2021, while Little was out of state touring the Southern border, McGeachin, claiming power as acting governor in Little's absence, issued an executive order banning state officials from requiring proof of vaccination from employees and sought to ban employers from requiring vaccinations altogether. McGeachins office previously said he has worked in school administration and social work. McGeachin not only listened to her and other parents, Henry said, but also their children. Governor Janice McGeachin posed with and then posted on Facebook pictures she had taken with two members of The Three Percenters. Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. We will restore health freedom and end the threat of medical tyranny. FILE . Thats all great, but if thats why you can do it, then you open yourself up for people to look at the businesses.. | Kevin Fixler kfixler@idahostatesman.com. Sami Edge/Idaho Education News A day after announcing she will run for governor in 2022, Lt. Gov. The McGeachins are known for frequenting their pub. 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. On May 17, the day Marsh Valley signed off on the separation, the Buhl School Districts board voted to hire Moffett to be president of the districts 34-student alternative high school, Wakapa, according to meeting minutes obtained by EdNews. 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. Its perhaps a surprise location from which to mount a run for the states highest office. [5] She met her husband, Jimmy McGeachin, while she was in high school and he attended college at the University of Idaho, she said. He founded the congregation, according to its website, after he went on a solo, three-day horseback ride through five Idaho counties to connect with God and receive his guidance. Machele Hamilton, the state GOP vice chair and a close friend to McGeachin, said that approach is one of the qualities she admires most about the lieutenant governor. McGeachin remembers the city back then as a great place to grow up a small and supportive community. Stationed along the perimeter of the parks amphitheater lawn were members of the right-wing citizen group the Idaho Liberty Dogs, wearing holstered handguns, walkie-talkies and earpieces. 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. Regardless, McGeachins faithful following has continued to grow. Janice McGeachin enters the house chambers at the state Capitol building on Jan. 10, 2022 in Boise, Idaho. "[23][24] McGeachin faced public criticism for the photo and quickly deleted it. [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. Suddenly, the bartender is zipping through the aisle asking those seated if they would like a shot. He's a lifelong Idahoan, and holds degrees in Creative Writing and Political Economy from the College of Idaho. Idaho deserves law-abiding leaders, not divisive leaders. Also in 2020, McGeachin appeared in a video montage, along with other Idaho elected officials, posted to YouTube by the Idaho Freedom Foundation. [14] McGeachin frequently criticized Little's strategy regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. As lieutenant governor, McGeachin aligned herself with Donald Trump and frequently clashed with Little. All Rights Reserved. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. The two got more serious when she moved back to their hometown after graduating from the University of Arizona in 1985 with a degree in business administration, majoring in finance. Idaho Lt. Gov. The unorthodox move was a big part of why she became a passionate McGeachin supporter, and now helps organize some of her campaign events. [68] While addressing a crowd of fellow Republicans at a campaign appearance, McGeachin criticized the Boise Police Department and Boise State University for holding a conference to study right-wing extremism, and said of Anthony Fauci (the U.S. government's top infectious disease scientist): "we'll lock him up. However, on Monday, a state budget administrator warned McGeachin state law places limitations on the ability to reduce an elected constitutional officer's salary mid-term . Lt. Gov. We will expand our Second Amendment liberties and secure our state. [38] In July 2021, when Little was out of state on a different trip, McGeachin wrote a letter to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, demanding information on what incentives Idaho healthcare providers may have "to impose vaccine mandates on their employees. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. [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. 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. (We) broke the glass ceiling, and were going to break another glass ceiling., Lt. Gov. Beck said hes never spoken to Trump about McGeachin the three or four times theyve met, and thought his prior campaign donations to the former president played no role in McGeachin earning Trumps endorsement. [70] Little won re-nomination with 52.81% of the vote, with McGeachin receiving 32.24% of the vote, Edward R. Humphreys receiving 10.96% of the vote, and an assortment of minor candidates receiving the rest. The two married and are celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary this summer, McGeachin said, fiddling with a thick-banded, diamond-encrusted ring around her right middle finger. 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. Following a stint in Arizona, the family moved to Idaho Falls when she was a child after her father took a job at the Idaho National Laboratory, the nuclear energy research hub run by the federal government. [85] She announced on February 24, 2012, that she would not be seeking re-election. The two positions run for election separately, rather than as a unified ticket. At a March rally in southeast Boise for semi-truckers headed to Washington, D.C., to protest pandemic-related restrictions, McGeachin defended her fiery platform and her supporters to the crowd gathered on a small lawn next to a highway offramp truck stop. Shes a former teacher who staked her campaign, in part, on her objections to Common Core, EastIdahoNews.com reported. And this is a manifestation of it in our face. [22] For the caption, she wrote "Sending love to Todd Engel from the Idaho Capital and 'getting to know' the new Senate Pages. Among her longtime supporters, McGeachin counts Doyle Beck, a retired construction company CEO and conservative political activist who also is a fierce backer of Trump. Late last week, Idaho Lt. "[6] She accused the Biden administration of seeking to indoctrinate schoolchildren in "Marxist, socialist ideology" and believes that Idaho should promote "state sovereignty" by rejecting federal funds for a variety of programs. We need you, youre a fighter, she said, spurring McGeachin to dash on stage to embrace her booster. After buying and restoring the historic building, the McGeachins are celebrating the pubs 10-year anniversary in 2022. [86][6], Indoctrination task force and public records violations, COVID-19 pandemic and strained relationship with Governor Brad Little, Last edited on 28 February 2023, at 19:27, 2008 Republican Party presidential primaries, 2012 Republican Party presidential primaries, America First Political Action Conference, misinformation to disparage COVID-19 vaccines, nation's lowest COVID-19 vaccination rates, Texas' attempt to overturn the results of the presidential election, "Republican hopes to ride far-right rage into Idaho's governor's office", "Far-right challengers look to upset the status quo in the Idaho governor's primary", "In Idaho governor's race, a far-right candidate leans into extremism", "Representative Janice K. McGeachin's Biography", 5 things to know about Idaho's 1st female lieutenant governor, McGeachin says business experience will help her in lieutenant governor role, Bonneville County Primary Election, May 23, 2000, Lt. Gov. One more for prosperity.. Lt. Gov. McGeachin, through a campaign spokesperson, declined a follow-up request from the Statesman for comment about her churchs positions on same-sex marriage and the LGBTQ community. Some lawmakers, including longtime friends, refuse to talk about her, or request to go off the record. Delivering the phone back to McGeachins daughter, he has some advice. A boat repair lot sits across the street. Littles staff never returned her umpteen-million phone calls, she said. Ive been pregnant twice. . BOISE (Idaho Statesman) Idaho Lt. Gov. COEUR d'ALENE With an American flag and two crosses in the background at Candlelight Christian Fellowship, Lt. Gov. Janice's McGeachin's chief of staff has informed McGeachin and a state budget administrator that he will resign when the Idaho Legislature adjourns for the year.. Jordan Watters, McGeachin's chief of staff, gave McGeachin notice of his resignation on Thursday, according to an email from Watters obtained by the Idaho Capital Sun. "[34] A civil suit brought against McGeachin by the Idaho Press Club was settled in November 2021, with a court ordered McGeachin to pay the club almost $29,000 in fees and costs. Idaho Education News Data Analyst Randy Schrader contributed to this report. 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. The Foundation stirred upheaval in this years legislative session over leftist indoctrination in the classroom, an effort that stalled education budgets. 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. Id say shes more withdrawn today, Winder, who supports Little, told the Statesman. [6][7], McGeachin unsuccessfully ran for Bonneville County commissioner in 2000, her first bid for elected office. His pick for governor in Nebraska, alleged sexual abuser Charles Herbster, failed to make it through the primary last week. Hes a career firefighter who has also represented his school district in the Idaho School Boards Association. Will that be a really impactful endorsement, or not really a defining kind of factor in determining outcomes? She also has sparked controversy over her repeated interactions with fringe, extremist and racist figures. Michael Nelson said hes a former police officer who worked a 25-year career in the San Francisco area. In addition, McGeachin threw open the doors of her familys pub in Idaho Falls before the order preventing bars from reopening lapsed. Janice McGeachin is the first female Lt. "[43] By July 2020, after the state's economy had reopened, Idaho saw a spike in coronavirus cases. Janice McGeachin is the lieutenant governor of the State of Idaho. [15][19] McGeachin narrowly won the Republican primary election on May 15, 2018, with 28.9% of the vote, then defeated Democratic nominee Kristin Collum in the November general election. Shes marvelous. In her statement, she challenged news outlets for accusing conservatives of believing everything ever said by anyone with whom they share a stage, adding that she does not support identity politics or other discriminatory views.. She unsuccessfully challenged Little in the Republican primary for governor in the 2022 election. Janice McGeachin, the renegade lieutenant governor of Idaho who is running for governor, likes to portray herself as a law-and-order candidate. Jason Knopp is the vice chairman of the Melba School Districts board. To Montana the shot buyer offers to his group of new best friends. 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. Lt. Gov. A member of the Republican Party, she was previously a member of the Idaho House of Representatives from 2002 until 2012. 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. McGeachin is asking taxpayers to cover $50,000 worth of her legal costs, Boise State Public Radio reported. Her relationship with Little finally boiled over last year when McGeachin leveraged the Idaho Constitution, which bestows power upon her position when the governor is out of state, and issued a pair of pandemic-related executive orders. Janice Kyes McGeachin (/mi.n/; born January 18, 1963)[1] is an American far-right[2][3][4] politician and businesswoman who served as the 43rd lieutenant governor of Idaho from 2019 to 2023. 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. One carried the Betsy Ross American flag, with 13 stars in a circle, which today is used as a symbol for several hate and anti-government movements, the Southern Poverty Law Center reports. The Idaho Capital Sun has filed a public record's request with McGeachin's office. McGeachin told The New York Times that Trump called her the day after she defended the former president in a June 2021 appearance on Fox News commentator Tucker Carlsons TV show, and she slipped in her intent to challenge Little during the conversation and asked for Trumps support. A political philosophy professor and a former Idaho State Board of Education president also sit on the 14-member assembly. Brad Little wins GOP primary over Trump's pick, Lt. Gov. 2015 - 2023 Repeatedly passed off by school district officials, Henry said, she reached out to the governors office for help. He replaced Knopp, following his withdrawal from the task force. Janice McGeachin spoke virtually at an event organized by White nationalist Nick Fuentes in Florida at the end of February.. 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. | Kevin Fixler, kfixler@idahostatesman.com. In 2012, she and her family . Janice McGeachin Thursday unveiled the membership list of her new "Task Force to Examine . She is the first female lieutenant governor of Idaho. Janice McGeachin, as Senate president, presides over a session in March. McGeachin has the endorsement, which is something she has really highlighted in her campaign materials. But shes a hard worker for what we stand for maintaining our republic. 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. Her candidacy was supported by state Senator Dean Mortimer. It is estimated that her net worth is somewhere between $1 million and $3 million. [55] A surge in COVID-19 cases first strained, and then surpassed, the capacity of the state's health care system. Little Says He Hasn't Spoken To Lt. Gov McGeachin In Weeks, Cases of coronavirus in Idaho spike after businesses reopen, Lt. Gov. A federal appeals court overturned Idahos ban on same-sex marriage in 2014, and the U.S. Supreme Court legalized it across all 50 states a year later. The judge found that McGeachin acted "in bad faith" and that "It appears to the court that respondent would stop at nothing, no matter how misguided, to shield public records from the public. Follow Blake on Twitter @jonesblakej. [40][46] At the rally, McGeachin criticized Little and other state officials. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. Janice McGeachin (then Kyes), lower right, appears in her sophomore year portrait in the 1979 yearbook for Skyline High School, located in Idaho Falls. "[52], McGeachin has used her office to promote misinformation to disparage COVID-19 vaccines. [40] The clashes intensified amid an intra-party split among Republicans on COVID-19 vaccinations, masks, and pandemic-related issues, on which traditional Republicans and the far-right disagreed. Janice McGeachin does not do that.. "[49], In May 2021, after Little left the state to attend a Republican Governors' Association conference in Nashville, Tennessee, making McGeachin acting governor in his absence, she issued an executive order that barred the state and Idaho counties, cities, public school districts, and public universities from adopting mask mandates. Beck, who also has penned several newspaper op-eds defending McGeachin, told the Statesman he backs her because shes honest, transparent and conservative.. The men wore shirts promoting Todd Engel, who was sentenced to prison in connection with the Bundy standoff fatal encounter with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). Full Name: Janice K. McGeachin Gender: Female Family: Husband: Jim; 2 Children: Liza, James Birth Date: 01/18/1963 Birth Place: Las Cruces, NM Home City: Idaho Falls, ID Religion: Christian Education keyboard_arrow_down Political Experience keyboard_arrow_down Caucuses/Former Committees keyboard_arrow_down 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. President, how do you deal with some of this stuff when you were kind of under fire? He said: Never back down. . Hes my best friend, my strongest supporter, and my partner in life, she said. Its a daily process, she said. 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. As I have traveled across our beautiful state, I have listened to our people, McGeachin said in a speech from the Capitol steps in March. A member of the Idaho Liberty Dogs, a right-wing citizen group, stands guard with a holstered handgun, walkie-talkie and earpiece at a campaign rally for Lt. Gov. [22] She opposes abortion, same-sex marriage, and gun control. 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. McGeachin said she doesnt concern herself with unflattering characterizations, or any of the other things people say about her. McGeachin on Fauci: I'll "lock him up", "Idaho Gov. Little to reopen all businesses in Idaho by April 30, Activist apologizes after refusing to leave playground, 'Freedom' rally in Twin Falls decries moderate Republicans, public education, masks and the media, Idaho lieutenant gov. The two got more serious when she moved back to their hometown. [36] The legislature declined McGeachin's request to have the costs of the settlement paid by the state budget. Idaho Lt. Gov. Proms and school sports seasons will never again be canceled, she promised. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com, If you ask the kids, Henry told a small crowd gathered during a fundraiser at a Caldwell-area winery, the very best day that they had last year, it was the one day that she (issued) the executive order for them to go to school without a mask. The room erupted in cheers and applause, as one attendee shouted, FREEDOM!. Grace Panetta and Nicole Gaudiano May 17, 2022, 8:00 PM - Idaho Lt. Gov. I believe shes the best person for the job, and the fact that she is a woman is a bonus.. McGeachin and Cawthorn fell on Tuesday. [6][74][75] She opposes minimum wages, believing that government should play no role in determining wages. McGeachin was unopposed for the Republican primary[76] and the general election. Governor promotes 'walk-thru disinfectant cubes', Idaho lieutenant governor got pandemic loans for business, Acting as Idaho Governor, Lt. Gov. But a group of retired police officers and. Under her vision for the state, McGeachin said, businesses and churches will never be forcibly closed, as happened during the stay-at-home order out of concern for public health. Lt. Gov. PHOTOS: Lt. Gov. [9][67] In announcing her candidacy, McGeachin attacked public health measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 and said that Idaho should reject federal funding to preserve "state sovereignty," although she did not give details. Sometimes, a contrarian candidate wins in a closed Republican primary. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. poses with protesters in support of standoff prisoner", "McGeachin in statement: 'I wholeheartedly reject bigotry and discrimination', Dangerous Embrace of the Militia Movement, "Marjorie Taylor Greene Speaks At White Nationalist Conference", Idaho Lt. Gov. appears in video slamming virus rules, whether 'a pandemic may or may not be occurring', Idaho Lt. Janet Adams is a retired Coeur dAlene lawyer. After briefly stepping away from dinner, Janice McGeachin returns, but is stopped by an older patron at the bar, who is enjoying his second beer and identifies himself as Skip. Lt. Gov. 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. In one case this spring, a touring musician took to social media to announce a last-minute cancellation of his scheduled concert there when he found out McGeachin was a co-owner. Who Is Janice McGeachin's Husband? "[6][21], In February 2019, McGeachin posted a photo on her Facebook page of her posing in front of her Idaho State Capitol door with two members of the 3 Percenters, an anti-government militia movement group. Malkin has promoted anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant rhetoric. Janice McGeachin facing public condemnation over photo with 3 Percenters", "Idaho Lieutenant Governor Faces Backlash For Photo Supporting Jailed Militiaman", "Idaho Lt. Gov. McGeachin cited Littles handling of the COVID-19 pandemic for prompting her to run now. A month later, she administered an oath to members of the Real Three Percent of Idaho, including Eric Parker, the groups leader, who said she once told him if she were elected, he would have a friend in the governors office. Parker endorsed McGeachin for governor last year. It worked, despite Littles own past support for Trump. In addition, Beck is the state committeeman for the Bonneville County GOP and a board member for the Idaho Freedom Foundation, a powerful right-wing lobbying group. About . Idaho Statesman reporters Ian Max Stevenson and Ryan Suppe contributed. Dark wood moulding with ornate Celtic inlay pay tribute to the pubs overarching theme, as do a row of soccer scarves and flags from the nations of the United Kingdom hanging overhead. He holds a Ph.D. in political science from Loyola University in Chicago. Its not enough to just silently nod along, McGeachin told rallygoers. Assorted $1 bills folded into origami shapes, including hearts and bow ties, decorate the side of a Jameson Irish Whiskey mirror above the bar. She defeated four rivals for the job, receiving 29% of the vote to edge former state GOP chair Steve Yates by fewer than 3,000 votes. We just like to keep our businesses separate from the politics as much as possible, McGeachin said, picking at her fingernails. The departure had nothing to do with his participation on the task force, Moffett told the Idaho State Journal. 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. "[47][39], In November 2020, McGeachin submitted a proposal to Governor Little's Coronavirus Financial Advisory Committee, seeking to spend $17 million in federal COVID-19 aid funds to purchase and operate two "walk-through disinfectant cubes" at the Idaho state Capitol. Janice McGeachin said Wednesday she was running for governor of Idaho . Occupying a largely ceremonial role, the lieutenant governor acts as president of the Senate. Wearing a black Stetson, Brown looked out onto the congregation filled with people of all ages and launched into a 40-minute lesson from the Book of Revelation about where to put ones faith, and how to prepare for judgment. The task force, aimed at rooting out alleged teachings on social justice, critical race theory, socialism, communism, (and) Marxism from public schools, is co-chaired by McGeachin, running for governor in 2022, and Rep. Priscilla Giddings, R-White Bird, who entered the race for lieutenant governor. They dont know who this is.. The single-story, cinder block building outside of Boise formerly housed a diesel fuel wholesaler. [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. The makeup of Lt. Gov. [72] She concluded her term as lieutenant governor on January 2, 2023. [36], As lieutenant governor, McGeachin has had a strained relationship with the governor, Brad Little,[14][38][39] despite the fact that Little is a fellow conservative Republican. A federal district court later shot down the practice in 2011, the Associated Press reported. Janice McGeachin (@JaniceMcGeachin) November 8, 2016 McGeachin, 57, was a delegate for Donald Trump during the 2016 Republican National Convention, and vice-chair of Idaho's statewide. Janice McGeachin, take questions during a meet-and-greet campaign fundraiser at a Caldwell-area winery in April. "[59], McGeachin was an Idaho presidential elector for the Republican slate in 2020, casting one of Idaho's four electoral votes for Donald Trump; the other Idaho electors that year were Melinda Smyser, Raul Labrador, and Rod Beck. Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin presented her 10-point gubernatorial platform for her first 100 days in office during a press conference on the Idaho Capitol steps in March. Heres what we know about the members so far: Anna Miller, from the Idaho Freedom Foundation, is an active voice in education policy discussions.
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