Democracy works best when elected leaders represent our values and prioritize the needs of our communities, not the interests of out-of-state lobbyists and dark money donors. Unfortunately, this expectation is under threat. During the May primary, outside interests spread lies to oust traditional Republicans. As Election Day draws near, they have aimed their ammunition at Democrats who want to keep public dollars in public schools.

The American Federation for Children and its electioneering arm, funded by Betsy DeVos and other billionaires, are at the forefront of the push to privatize public education through voucher schemes. During the 2022 primary election, they spent over $340,00,00 backing far-right Republican candidates who support school vouchers against conservative Republicans who opposed these schemes. This year, they spent another $300,000 to pick off popular Republicans.

Now, they’re pouring more money into the November election, targeting leaders like Sen. Rick Just and Mary Shea, who are strong supporters of Idaho public schools. These Democrats are under attack because they refuse to bow to out-of-state lobbyists and billionaire backers.

The AFC’s tactics are deceptive and dangerous. They flood mailboxes with misleading mailers that leave out any mention of school vouchers. One ad attacks a Democratic leader, claiming he voted against “parental rights.” This can only reference the absurd “Band-Aid Bill” that made headlines because it puts schools and providers at risk of legal action if they provide so much as a bandage without parental consent. Much worse, the Idaho State Police has said this new law can be used to block sexual abuse investigations. Protecting children was the priority when Democrats voted against the poorly-written legislation.

These outside extremists are also either sloppy or okay lying. One hit piece accuses Senator Just of voting against legislation he supported.

At the same time, dark money operatives try to rewrite the records of Republicans who harm kids. They are bankrolling glowing advertisements for Republicans like Dustin Manwaring and Brandon Mitchell, claiming they are champions for families. Voting records tell another story. Manwaring and Mitchell received failing grades from the Idaho-based bipartisan group Idaho Children Are Primary. Every Democratic legislator scored an “A” rating.

Unfortunately, the unethical tactics of these outside extremists have been effective. They took out so many of the traditional Republicans that LAUNCH scholarships — catapulting the next generation of Idahoans into in-demand career training — are now at risk unless we elect enough Democrats. And their central goal, enacting a costly voucher scheme Idaho cannot afford, could be within their grasp.

We must send the message that Idaho is not for sale this November. We need to speak out, vote, and debunk misleading ads threatening the integrity of our elections. Our children’s futures depend on it.

-- Lauren Necochea
Idaho Democratic Party Chair.