Let Idaho fix campaign finance, get dark money out of politics | Opinion

Even for the most casual observer of Idaho’s political scene, it’s easy to see how the influx of out-of-state money has changed campaigns, fundraising and elections and become another federalism issue long ignored at the cost of states’ rights.

Heck, we remember the days when a couple thousand dollars was sufficient to campaign for a seat in the Idaho House or Senate. Those days are long gone. The most recent fundraising reports show at least 10 state legislators have cleared the $40,000 threshold in the run-up to the May primary elections. The dollar figures will only increase as we get closer to the primary.

So, what’s changed here in the Gem State? Simply put, deep-pocketed special interests based in other states have figured out Idaho elections are an affordable option for pursuing their policy initiatives.

During the 2024 election cycle, third-party organizations — with little understanding or concern for Idaho politics, priorities and values — spent millions to influence voters and support specific candidates. Most of the money from outside political action committees was spent on negative advertising, creating a playing field where more out-of-state money was spent on negative ads than in-state dollars, according to Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane.

We believe it’s time to do something to reverse a trend that is fueling distrust, cynicism and inequity in our electoral process. It starts by Idahoans reforming our campaign finance system and laws, and that’s why we’re supporting Senate Joint Memorial 109 and its core principle that election control belongs in the hands of the state — not federal judges. We are pleased the Idaho Senate has approved SJM 109 on a voice vote, and we encourage our colleagues in the House to do the same.

Over the last five decades, federal court decisions have tied the hands of states to regulate the flow of campaign cash in state elections.

This is why SJM 109 can play a critical role in changing the dynamics. This resolution petitions Congress to amend the U.S. Constitution or pass a law so states like Idaho can write campaign finance and electoral laws that fit our values, and give states the authority to distinguish between real people and entities like corporations, unions and political action committees.

We look forward to the opportunity to bring transparency to our election system by deciding what limits to impose on dark money, foreign contributions and the influence of PACs over our citizens and elections.

Without Congress taking a first step, states like Idaho continue to be held hostage. Any effort on our part to do this without the help of Congress would simply be struck down based on decades of U.S. Supreme Court case law that has shaped our current election landscape.

For too long, the courts have disincentivized state lawmakers from restoring faith, trust and transparency in our elections and protecting state sovereignty. Until something changes, Idahoans will only see the influence of big spenders grow while the value of our voice and vote diminishes.

Idaho is not alone in this predicament. Nor are we unique in feeling a sense of urgency to exert greater control over our elections and campaign finance laws. At the moment, 23 other states, including Utah, have adopted similar resolutions.

It is our hope that you will join us in the fight by urging your representatives to support SJM 109 and its goal of restoring fairness, federalism and integrity for Idaho elections.

Republican Mark Harris is the Assistant Majority Leader in the Idaho Senate. He is a rancher from the Soda Springs area and is currently serving his sixth term in the Idaho Senate. Republican Carl Bjerke is from Coeur d’Alene. He is a retired firefighter and serving his second term in the Senate.