Endorsement: Senate Republican leader faces challenger in west Boise district | Opinion
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May 2024 primary endorsements
Check here for the Idaho Statesman Editorial Board’s picks in the May 2024 primary election.
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Idaho Senate President Pro Tem Chuck Winder is the model of statesmanship and has proven himself to be a strong leader who runs a tight ship in the Senate.
He is being challenged in the Republican primary in District 20, which includes west Boise, by Josh Keyser. We don’t know much about Keyser, and he declined our invitation to interview with the editorial board for an endorsement.
The Idaho Statesman editorial board endorses Chuck Winder in the Republican primary for Idaho Senate in District 20.
Despite far-right accusations that Winder is a Republican In Name Only, or RINO, Winder is no liberal and represents his conservative constituents well.
Winder supported mandatory minimums for fentanyl trafficking this session and has voted to increase funding for Idaho State Police. He’s part of the Republican contingent of Idaho legislators who have approved tax cuts and refunds to the tune of nearly $3 billion in the past three years while at the same time approving balanced budgets that have provided historic increases in funding for education and infrastructure.
We don’t always agree with Winder’s positions, such as the time he said during an Idaho Statesman online forum that abortions contribute to Idaho’s labor shortage.
He supported this year’s iteration of what we call the library book ban and bounty bill. We don’t agree with his position, but he opposed an earlier version of that bill and makes a reasonable argument that this year’s version is a responsible compromise.
Winder doesn’t march in lockstep, though. He was most impressive in his impassioned debate against reneging on a deal to sell the Idaho Transportation Department headquarters — a position that brought a challenge to his leadership position. He demonstrated integrity and courage.
He also demonstrated tremendous leadership this session when he rebuked three Republican senators for making disparaging remarks about colleagues, including stripping two senators of leadership positions. Winder maintained decorum in what is often seen as the more mature body in the Legislature by nipping in the bud the senators’ childish behavior that may be fit for social media but has no place in serious consideration of public policy. Winder was criticized by some on the far right, but he again showed courage and did the right thing.
Winder recognizes the constitutional mandate “to establish and maintain a general, uniform and thorough system of public, free common schools.”
While he supports limited pilot projects, such as Empowering Parents grants targeted at low-income families to pay for educational supplies, he so far has stood up against attempts to create education savings accounts or this year’s tax credits for private schools.
Winder has been a good leader in the Idaho Senate, and his Republican constituents would do well to vote for him in the primary.
This story was originally published May 14, 2024 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.
Want your say?
Readers are encouraged to express their thoughts by submitting a letter to the editor. Click on “Submit a letter or opinion” at idahostatesman.com/opinion.
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