Idaho Governor Brad Little and Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin engaged in a high-stakes game of one-upmanship, with the lieutenant governor trying to outdo the governor by naming herself “Idaho’s First Lady.”
Governors and lieutenant governors of American states have tended to be political allies in recent years. In several instances, the governor has chosen the lieutenant governor. Even if they haven’t been, they generally get along on most topics, at least in public. Especially because they’ve all been members of the same political party in previous years.
Idaho is headed by Republicans Governor Brad Little and Lieutenant Governor Janice McGeachin. Despite this, they have publicly said that they do not get along. They seem to be on the verge of a primary showdown in 2022.
According to East Idaho News, McGeachin is affiliated with the party’s extreme right wing. Little, on the other hand, is at least a little more reasonable. And the show has already started.
McGeachin is always attempting to gain authority.
Brad Little, along with governors from many other states, recently visited Texas. When the governor is out of state, Idaho’s constitution provides certain procedures. The lieutenant governor, at least in certain instances, temporarily takes the governor’s duties.
There have been few to no significant issues with this throughout the years. However, this hasn’t been the case recently. McGeachin went out to reverse a variety of governmental measures aimed at halting COVID-19’s spread. Given that Little could easily put them back in place, the action seemed to be a clear political ploy.
McGeachin’s actions were described as “irresponsible,” “abuse of authority,” and “self-serving” by him. He linked it with despotism as well.
Janice McGeachin isn’t the only person to attempt anything like this. They took a similar step in 2021 when it came to mask requirements. Brad Little was in Tennessee at the time for a Republican Governors Association meeting.
He also immediately revoked the executive action.
Idaho has recently become the hub of the COVID-19 epidemic. As a result, many hospitals become overburdened with patients. Furthermore, there have been numerous instances of medical professionals being harassed and intimidated, as a result of those who are obsessed with irrational conspiracy theories.
It was also rumored that the military will be sent.
State governors in the United States primarily oversee each state’s National Guard troops. Members of the United States Army and Air Force make up State National Guard groups. They may also be used as state militias in emergency situations, such as natural disasters.
McGeachin reportedly wanted to send the Idaho National Guard to the US-Mexico border, where there had been numerous immigration issues. Ironically, it’s also the reason Little came to Texas in the first place.
Army Major General Michael J. Garshak, Idaho’s adjutant general, received a letter from McGeachin. She asked for instructions on how to mobilize the National Guard.
Garshak responded that she lacked the power to do so. It’s also worth noting that she referred to herself as the governor in her first statement. Rather than serving as lieutenant governor or acting governor, as she did in her recent executive order, she will now serve as governor.
Brad Little accused her of putting on a show for the cameras. It’s worth mentioning, though, that he has already sent the Idaho National Guard to the same border.
McGeachin’s unsuccessful deployment effort prompted Butch Otter to issue a scathing remark.
Otter is a retired soldier of the Idaho Army National Guard and a former Republican governor and lieutenant governor of Idaho. According to KMVT, Otter said that it showed her stupidity. She went on to say that she was just trying to further her own political goal. And that it “is sad and unacceptable” because it “undervalues and demeans the sacrifices of service personnel and their families.”
DISCLAIMER: ALL RIGHTS ARE RESERVED
