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. Her candidacy was supported by state Senator Dean Mortimer. 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. Assorted $1 bills folded into origami shapes, including hearts and bow ties, decorate the side of a Jameson Irish Whiskey mirror above the bar. Janice McGeachin, as Senate president, presides over a session in March. After buying and restoring the historic building, the McGeachins are celebrating the pubs 10-year anniversary in 2022. Pretty soon its just going to be normal and natural to be a pedophile. [71] Of Idaho's 44 counties, McGeachin carried just four, all in the Idaho Panhandle. Each rode the Make America Great Again wave under former President Donald Trump that propelled a number of far-right candidates into office. Thats exactly the sentiment behind it just get it done, girl.. 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. When I am struggling, I know where I need to go to get strength, wisdom, encouragement. [27][28][29] McGeachin was apparently one of the highest-ranking elected officials to address the far-right conference. Around town, its known more colloquially as the Cowboy Church. Little and McGeachin have become famously locked in disharmony. "[23][24] McGeachin faced public criticism for the photo and quickly deleted it. 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. [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. (UPDATED: Oct. 19, reflecting the death of Pete Coulson from COVID-19.). The two got more serious when she moved back to their hometown. 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. Idaho Statesman reporters Ian Max Stevenson and Ryan Suppe contributed. [77], McGeachin was unopposed for the Republican primary[78] and for the general election. Janice McGeachin takes a question from an attendee during a meet-and-greet campaign fundraiser at a Caldwell-area winery in April. 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. 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. McGeachin not only listened to her and other parents, Henry said, but also their children. However, McGeachin's Idaho Falls-based business accepted two partially forgivable loans, totaling $314,727, from the federal Paycheck Protection Program. She was elected lieutenant governor in the 2018 election, to serve with the governor, Brad Little. Karen McGee is a former Idaho State Board of Education executive director and president. We just like to keep our businesses separate from the politics as much as possible, McGeachin said, picking at her fingernails. We need Janice McGeachin. Janice McGeachin, 57, received $314,727 through two different PPP loans for J.R. McGeachin Inc in April . 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. Hamilton, also McGeachins part-time director of communications this past legislative session, said the pendant epitomized her feelings toward the lieutenant governor, and is also a message she hoped her friend would keep close to her heart out on the campaign trail. 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. All three politicos now carry the highly sought-after endorsement of Americas polarizing 45th president. Because of some of the media attacks Ive had recently, I asked him for some advice, McGeachin recalled. McGeachin. Politics isnt always viewed as a place for girls. Those who will speak about McGeachins early days in office describe her as friendly, a social butterfly who would host small parties in a rental condo during the legislative session, and go for drinks after work. It is estimated that her net worth is somewhere between $1 million and $3 million. Rev. [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. Janice McGeachin Thursday unveiled the membership list of her new "Task Force to Examine . 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. I stood with them when Mr. Little sent his law enforcement into their business and threatened to take their license away, she told a crowd at a rally last week in Meridian. The McGeachins had their first child, a daughter, the year after they married. 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 governor and lieutenant governor get into Twitter fight over state's executive orders, Idaho's 4 electors cast votes for Trump and Pence, "Motion For Leave (1) To File Brief Of Lieutenant Governor Janice Mcgeachin, Senator Lora Reinbold, Representative David Eastman, Et Al (Elected State Officials) As Amici Curiae In Support Of Plaintiff, And (2) To Do So In An Unbound Format On 8 12-By-11-Inch Paper, And (3) To Do So Without Ten Days' Advance Notice To The Parties", "Texas wants to overturn millions of votes. She met her husband, Jimmy McGeachin, while she was in high school and he attended college at the University of Idaho, she said. 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. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. Since 2016, Beck and his family have donated the second-most money among Idaho residents directly to Trumps campaigns and political action committees, eclipsing $250,000, according to Federal Election Commission records. Shes no longer shown herself to be the very personable, outgoing, kind lawmaker he knew when she was a member of the state House and the two would occasionally collaborate on bills, he said. About . McGeachin remembers the city back then as a great place to grow up a small and supportive community. Henry said she was also a supporter of the task force McGeachin launched last spring when she thrust herself and the state into the fray of national turmoil over the content taught in public schools. Idaho Senate President Pro Tem Chuck Winder, R-Boise, said McGeachins relationship with Republican leadership has soured during her time as lieutenant governor. Its just the impact that it has on my family is not easy all the time, because they have to deal with the fallout, and our employees have to deal with that. Lt. Gov. "[25] The Idaho Falls Post Register editorial board criticized McGeachin for embracing the 3 Percenters and militia movement. Lt. Gov. It defines homosexuality as a form of sexual immorality, grouping it with adultery, incest and bestiality. Brian Myrick / Idaho Press. We will make Idaho a sanctuary for life, protecting the unborn and protecting our elderly from abuse., Taking Trumps lead, McGeachin told the Statesman she thinks the former president won the 2020 election over Biden, though no evidence has been produced of widespread voter fraud, as Trump and his allies have claimed. I thought it was a perfect saying for Janice, because of everything shes going through, and how much everyone makes her something she is not, Hamilton said by phone. 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. [1] She graduated from Skyline High School in Idaho Falls and earned her B.S. It makes us feel happy that they want to continue to be part of our companies and continue to stay in our community.. McGeachin faced no Democratic challenger in the general election in three out of the five races, easily beating her opponent the other two times with more than 71% of the vote. Janice McGeachin does not do that.. McGeachin and Cawthorn fell on Tuesday. [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. [8] As a Republican, she was a member of the Idaho House of Representatives from 2002 to 2012. Among their favorite ski resorts are Grand Targhee and Jackson Hole, both in Wyoming near the Idaho border, and Sun Valley, where the family also owns a home just south of Ketchum. McGeachin claims the in-house smoked chicken wings are the best in the state. He recently served as principal of Marsh Valley Middle School in East Idaho, but split from the school after one school year after signing a separation agreement May 13, a week before his membership on the task force was announced, EdNews reported. The departure had nothing to do with his participation on the task force, Moffett told the Idaho State Journal. McGeachin also garnered criticism after federal records revealed that she applied for and received more than $314,000 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, even though she previously said she is opposed to government programs that foster dependency. In a social media post, she defended accepting the coronavirus relief payments for her familys businesses, saying that their employees needed the funds because they had been harmed by government shutdowns and other public health requirements. Idaho deserves law-abiding leaders, not divisive leaders. [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. 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. She said she supports marriage between a man and a woman, as outlined by Idaho's Constitution, despite the fact that gay marriage became legal by federal law in a U.S. Supreme Court case in 2015. 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 committee was premised on the notion that "the scourge of critical race theory, socialism, communism, and Marxism" was "infiltrating" the Idaho school and college system. [42] During the pandemic, McGeachin repeatedly criticized Little for taking steps (such as closing physical businesses) to prevent the spread of the disease. [22] For the caption, she wrote "Sending love to Todd Engel from the Idaho Capital and 'getting to know' the new Senate Pages. Those arent the types of invites she gets from her old colleagues anymore. Heres what we know about the members so far: Anna Miller, from the Idaho Freedom Foundation, is an active voice in education policy discussions. But a group of retired police officers and. President, how do you deal with some of this stuff when you were kind of under fire? He said: Never back down. . In the past, shes advocated for a sex education opt-in bill and has decried Common Core standards, at one point saying curriculum and textbook providers use Common Core to recommend pornographic books for use in schools, EdNews previously reported. After that, she ran unopposed five times in the Republican primary for a state House seat representing Idaho Falls, from 2002 to 2012. She met her husband, Jimmy McGeachin, while she was in high school and he attended college at the University of Idaho, she said. 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. [36] The legislature declined McGeachin's request to have the costs of the settlement paid by the state budget. 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. Janice McGeachin is a well-known figure in the United States. Ive said many times, Id jump in front of a bus for her, she told the audience at the winery fundraiser. Thats where the battle is going to be, and thats why Im running for governor.. Lt. Gov. Governor Janice McGeachin arrives at a rally to support semi-truckers and protest against COVID-19 vaccination mandates for employment held in Boise in March. The pastor of the Cowboy Church, Scotty Brown, looks the part. She also has sparked controversy over her repeated interactions with fringe, extremist and racist figures. We are in a Marxist takeover, a communist takeover (in) this country. The fowl-named drink is a layered shooter, made of one part Kahlua, one part Irish cream and one part whiskey. Lt. Gov. Idaho Lt. Gov. [82] She won the general election with 73% of the vote against Scott Cannon. In addition, McGeachin threw open the doors of her familys pub in Idaho Falls before the order preventing bars from reopening lapsed. The McGeachins two adult children run an Irish pub the family owns in a historic building they restored in downtown Idaho Falls. The single-story, cinder block building outside of Boise formerly housed a diesel fuel wholesaler. The soup of the day is beef taco, and the $5 drink special is a melon berry ros sangria. So, how much is Janice McGeachin worth at the age of 59 years old? EastIdahoNews.com, LLC. Janice McGeachin fined $750 over public record violations, Lt. Gov. [38] Little also noted that her order duplicated a proposed bill that had failed to pass the state legislature. 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. [74] She opposes Medicaid expansion and was a leading opponent of 2018 Proposition 2, an initiative to expand Medicaid coverage to about 62,000 Idahoans. Janice McGeachins Task Force to Examine Indoctrination in Idaho Education has changed shape slightly since its membership was announced in May as more details have emerged about its members. All Rights Reserved. Janice McGeachin speaks during a meet-and-greet campaign fundraiser at a Caldwell-area winery in April. 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. But in some legislative races, outside political groups might have played a bigger and more far-reaching role. 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. It now acts as the nerve center for Republican Janice McGeachins upstart political ambitions for governor. With campaign signs and rolled banners tucked in different corners of the space giving it a just-moved-in ambiance, McGeachins wood-paneled operations base is nondescript. [31] The Idaho Statesman editorial board described the effort as "a manufactured witch hunt" driven by the "far-right fringe of Idaho's politics. Follow Blake on Twitter @jonesblakej. But, then again, McGeachin, 59, is a surprise candidate, having emerged from relative anonymity after years away from public office to win the lieutenant governors race four years ago as an underdog. BOISE (Idaho Statesman) Idaho Lt. Gov. 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. 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. Proms and school sports seasons will never again be canceled, she promised. 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. 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. A few challengers ran spendy races and unseated Statehouse incumbents. A boat repair lot sits across the street. Defend & Protect Idaho said the effort is a response to what they call rising instances of dangerous extremism and militia mentality around the state, and McGeachins ties to them. [11][43] In late-April 2020, McGeachin urged reopening all businesses in Idaho by April 30,[44] and also spoke at a protest in eastern Idaho against stay-at-home directives. After library bill vote, Boyle abruptly steps down from House Education, Lawmakers reject new ESA proposal in frustrated debate, Statehouse roundup, 2.27.23: Parental rights bill passes House easily, Coeur dAlene trustee calls anti-levy campaign disgusting and un-American. [45] In a May 2020 editorial, McGeachin wrote that, "I lose sleep at night because the heavy hand of our government is hurting so many Idahoans. The McGeachins are known for frequenting their pub. 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. Will that be a really impactful endorsement, or not really a defining kind of factor in determining outcomes? Janice McGeachin is the lieutenant governor of the State of Idaho. Brian Myrick / Idaho Press. Supporters and opponents acknowledge, though, she and her growing persona are anything but, with McGeachin increasingly invoking militarized rhetoric and a blend of patriotism and faith as rival political factions signal an intensifying culture war. [41], In May 2020, Little said he had not spoken to McGeachin in weeks. She is from NM. Janice McGeachin facing public condemnation over photo with 3 Percenters", "Idaho Lieutenant Governor Faces Backlash For Photo Supporting Jailed Militiaman", "Idaho Lt. Gov. Some lawmakers, including longtime friends, refuse to talk about her, or request to go off the record. She also tried to deploy the Idaho National Guard to the U.S.-Mexico border, according to Little and Maj. Gen. Michael Garshak, who heads the states National Guard. The Republican lieutenant governors candidate backed out after debate organizers would not give her an advance list of reporters on the panel. Its in our homes, she said. After Little backed out of a scheduled debate, McGeachin organized the event for the same night with a slate of fellow far-right candidates. The couple has two children. BOISE (Idaho Statesman) Idahos lieutenant governor opened the front door of her campaign headquarters mid-morning on a Wednesday, the lone occupant at the converted office space neighboring a dry cleaning facility and a pest control company. 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. McGeachin was born in southern New Mexico, 35 miles north of the Mexican border, to Allyn and Dorothy Kyes. About halfway through, he reminded attendees about various forms of sin in the eyes of God. ), Beck and his wife, Lynn, each contributed campaign maximums to McGeachin for the primary, according to Idaho secretary of state records, as well as tens of thousands of dollars more to several far-right candidates, political action committees and the Republican National Committee. 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. In October of 2021, he died of COVID-19. She said she does not dispute that masks are effective in preventing the spread of the virus, particularly N95s and hospital surgical masks. However, McGeachin declined to say whether she has been vaccinated for COVID-19, or if she has ever contracted the virus, calling both personal questions.. 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. We still talk, but havent for a while.. 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 does get national exposure for our state, and, at least in my opinion, it hasnt been to the benefit of the state as a whole.. Littles staff never returned her umpteen-million phone calls, she said. McGeachin thanked those in attendance at the America First Political Action Conference held in Orlando, Florida, for joining our efforts. U.S. Rep. Greene also spoke at the event. He has scored some big wins,. [40][46] At the rally, McGeachin criticized Little and other state officials. 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. Pete Coulson worked as a coach and counselor for children. Mark Hand, a retired Marine, said he joined the task force after he had to sit through a privilege and oppression class while attending school for social work in Washington. May 27, 2021 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. McGeachin drew similar scrutiny over several incidents that included members of the Three Percenters, which the Anti-Defamation League labels an anti-government militia movement. [6], McGeachin supported Mitt Romney in the 2008 Republican Party presidential primaries[12] and the 2012 Republican Party presidential primaries. Janet Adams is a retired Coeur dAlene lawyer. appears in video slamming virus rules, whether 'a pandemic may or may not be occurring', Idaho Lt. McGeachin cited Littles handling of the COVID-19 pandemic for prompting her to run now. "[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. A spokesperson for Little said staff has no record or recollection of Henry contacting the governors office. [38] On his return to Idaho one day later, Little rescinded McGeachin's order and said that her decision "to act solitarily on a highly politicized, polarizing issue without conferring with local jurisdictions, legislators, and the sitting Governor" was "simply put, an abuse of power. 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. "[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. In one recent check-in, McGeachin said, she sought his guidance. Laura van Voorhees recently moved to Kootenai County from California. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. 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. Its not enough to just silently nod along, McGeachin told rallygoers. 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. Hamilton, however, prefers to keep the focus of McGeachins candidacy on her credentials. She argued, however, that her actions did not violate the governors restrictions, because her pub also includes a restaurant. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. It is time to make Idaho free again, she said. [41][38][50] McGeachin issued the order without consulting Little,[38] and against the wishes of state health officials who had sought a statewide mask mandate,[51] which Idaho has never had. Janice McGeachin announces run for governor Brian Myrick/Idaho Press May 19, 2021 1 of 12 As featured on Lt. Gov. That was as true as ever, she said, almost 46 years ago when she was in junior high and the Teton Dam failed, flooding southeastern Idaho. Suddenly, the bartender is zipping through the aisle asking those seated if they would like a shot. 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. [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. Janice McGeachin enters the house chambers at the state Capitol building on Jan. 10, 2022 in Boise, Idaho. McGeachin urges Gov. A customer at the end of the bar, from Montana, wants to buy everyone a duck fart.. Conservative Republican & Principled America First Warrior who always stands up for individual rights McGeachins office previously said he has worked in school administration and social work. McGeachin on Fauci: I'll "lock him up", "Idaho Gov. And thats whats not fair., Lt. Gov. I know she liked to have a good time, said Sen. Jim Patrick, R-Twin Falls, who served three terms with McGeachin in the House and used to rent a place on the same floor of a building three blocks from the Capitol. Its perhaps a surprise location from which to mount a run for the states highest office. 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. Reporter Blake Jones covers the politics and policy of Idaho's K-12 public school system. "[52], McGeachin has used her office to promote misinformation to disparage COVID-19 vaccines. McGeachin lists the First Presbyterian Church of Idaho Falls on her campaign website, but said she hasnt regularly attended the church for a couple years. This is our country, and were going to take it back! Rogers shouted to the crowd.

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