Statesman endorsement: Greg Ferch for Republican primary in Idaho House of Representatives
Voters in Idaho legislative District 21 in southwest Boise and south Meridian have a choice among three Republican House of Representatives candidates: Greg Ferch, Eli Hodson and Brenda Palmer.
The winner of the Republican primary will go on to face Libertarian candidate Lisa Adams in November. No Democrats filed for this race.
The winner will replace Republican Megan Kiska, who was appointed to the seat last year to fill a vacancy. Kiska withdrew her name from this year’s election, leaving the seat open.
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Greg Ferch earns the Idaho Statesman’s endorsement in the Republican primary. He proved himself to be the most knowledgeable on key issues, has the most relevant experience and is the most prepared to hold office and represent his constituents.
Ferch, an Army veteran and 1991 veteran of Operation Desert Storm, is a local chiropractor who has owned a practice in the Treasure Valley for the past 26 years.
He has been active in the Republican party, including having served as Ada County Republican chairman.
Recognizing one of his main responsibilities as a legislator, Ferch acknowledged that dealing with the coronavirus pandemic and the consequent economic fallout and likely budget hit will be his top priority if elected.
Ferch, in general, brings a fiscal bent to his campaign, citing tax simplification as another one of his priorities, including continuing to reduce personal property taxes on small businesses. He demonstrates an understanding of how legislation affects the individual, through his personal experience as a business owner. That kind of first-hand knowledge will benefit his constituents as he considers legislation.
Promoting transparency in health care also would be one of his main goals as a legislator.
In 2014, Ferch worked with his legislator at the time, Rep. Thomas Dayley, to introduce legislation making insurance companies’ compensation records available to the public.
“Obviously, I have a passion for health care,” Ferch said. “I would like to see improved access to health care, and I think we can do a lot better in Idaho in that regard.”
Hodson, who owns a landscaping business, has a passion for politics. He interned for Sen. Larry Craig while in high school. He worked on the campaign for U.S. Sen. Jim Risch after graduating from College of Idaho in 2008 and later joined his staff in Washington, D.C.
Hodson said his top priority as a legislator would be “restoring the voice of our district” and reconnecting with voters — but apparently only with certain voters in his fast-growing District 21, where farm fields are quickly becoming subdivisions.
“It’s a goal of mine to make sure that as these new folks move into this district, we’ve kept this district historically very red, and there’s a risk that that could begin to change,” Hodson told the editorial board.
Hodson appeared to be more interested in “keeping the district red” than representing all of his constituents.
Palmer did not accept an invitation to interview with the board. The editorial board will not endorse a candidate who does not interview with the board.
Ferch would represent his conservative constituents well, citing Raul Labrador’s participation in the Freedom Caucus as a model for legislating. Ferch also touts an endorsement from U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher, R-Idaho.
We are concerned with some of his past positions, such as opposition to the state health exchange, which has turned out to be a huge success.
Our hope is that Ferch goes to the Capitol with an open mind in finding practical solutions to real problems. By applying his real-world experience to forming legislation and keeping in mind how his decisions affect his constituents, Ferch is the best candidate to represent Republicans in District 21.
This story was originally published May 13, 2020 at 4:00 AM.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREHow we write endorsements
Who decides the endorsements?
Members of Idaho Statesman editorial board interview political candidates, as well as advocates and opponents of ballot measures. The editorial board is composed of journalists and community members. Members of the Statesman editorial board are: Statesman editor Chadd Cripe, opinion editor Scott McIntosh, opinion writer Bryan Clark, newsroom editors Dana Oland and Jim Keyser and community members John Hess, Debbie McCormick and Julie Yamamoto.
What does the endorsement process entail?
The Statesman editorial board meets with political candidates and asks them a series of questions about policy issues. The editorial board discusses the candidates in each race. Board members seek to reach a consensus on the endorsements, but not every decision is unanimous. The editorial board generally will not endorse a candidate who does not agree to an interview with the board members.
Is the editorial board partisan?
No. In making endorsements, members of the editorial board consider which candidates are well-prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they belong to a particular political party. We evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, their readiness for office, their depth of knowledge of key issues and their understanding of public policy. We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points. The editorial board will endorse both Republicans and Democrats. We make recommendations about who the best-qualified candidates for these jobs are.
Why are endorsements unsigned?
Endorsements reflect the collective views of the Statesman’s editorial board — not just the opinion of one writer. Board members all discuss and contribute ideas to each endorsement editorial.
Do I have to vote for the candidate the Statesman endorses?
Of course not. An endorsement is just our recommendation based on the candidates’ backgrounds and their answers to editorial board questions.
Can I disagree with the Statesman’s endorsement?
Of course you can. We encourage voters to do their own research and choose the candidate who best represents your views.
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