Kathy Dawes
Kathy Dawes, the Democratic candidate for Idaho State Representative District 6 Seat B, has been a Latah County resident for over 50 years and is excited at the opportunity to serve this community and beautiful state that she loves, as described in her website.
Dawes has decided to run for state representative for several reasons, including the fact that she has seen freedoms and rights frequently challenged by legislation that represents extreme government overreach.
“Legislation has been proposed that restricts voting and citizen initiative rights, restricts our freedom to make our own personal healthcare decisions and removes power from our local elected officials, especially school boards and library boards,” Dawes told the Argonaut. “Recent actions by our legislature have focused on issues that are very divisive and often discriminatory toward certain groups, such as members of the LGBTQ+ community, resulting in dangerous, unintended consequences and costly, taxpayer-funded lawsuits.”
Dawes cares deeply about everyone’s personal freedom and is especially concerned about reproductive healthcare.
“Current laws contribute greatly to physicians leaving our state because they are not able to do their job without fear of prosecution or imprisonment, which puts moms, children and families at much higher risk of illness, poverty and death,” Dawes said. “The life-threatening and economic consequences of these laws are bad for all Idahoans, and I fear that future legislation could include limits on the use of various form of birth control and even IVF.”
As a former educator, Dawes also places a high value on the funding of public education. “Our public-school buildings are in desperate condition, school districts are having to move four-day weeks, excellent teachers are leaving the state and students no longer have many of the opportunities for instruction in subject areas offered in my generation, including career technology classes,” Dawes said. “Idaho students deserve better.”
“I am also appalled that the state’s majority party has stated clearly in their current party platform that they ‘do not support using taxpayer funding for programs beyond high school,’” Dawes continued. “All Republican candidates must sign on to the GOP platform, and if they actually carry out this policy, it would be devastating for all of Idaho’s colleges and universities, undoubtedly making a college education unaffordable for most students.”
Dawes plans to serve the people of Idaho by being an active listener.
“This will allow me to gather information, increase my understanding of the concerns expressed by my constituents, and engage them in respectful discussions,” she said. “I plan to provide a weekly newsletter to inform my constituents about current bills being discussed and ask for their input. I plan to read every single bill very carefully, listen to both the advocates who are promoting the bill and those who are opposed to it, and will attempt to contact experts who would be affected by the bill for their advice.”
Dawes said her process for how to vote on bills and resolutions will be based on answers to the following questions: Is it addressing a specific problem that is important and necessary? Is it infringing on anyone’s personal rights or freedoms? Will it have any unintended consequences? Is it supported or opposed by experts?
The most critical issues Dawes plans on tackling in the legislature include assuring that no public funds go to private schools, amending Idaho’s strict abortion laws because “they are resulting in life-threatening and negative personal and economic consequences for our state,” promoting accessible and affordable healthcare, promoting affordable housing and eliminating the sales tax on groceries and revising sales tax exemptions.
Brandon Mitchell
“Idaho is the greatest state in the union, a place where freedom and opportunity thrive,” Brandon Mitchell, the Republican candidate for Idaho State Representative District 6 Seat B, said. Mitchell is excited to announce his bid for re-election after a successful second term in the Idaho State Legislature, as described by his website.
Mitchell has served in the Idaho State House of Representatives since 2021.
When asked why he decided to run for state representative, Mitchell said, “I want to preserve that legacy and keep Idaho a beacon of hope and American values. We’re seeing increasing pressure from outside influences that seek to reshape how we live, work and raise our families. I believe Idaho must stand strong, and I want to be part of the wall that defends our freedoms and way of life.”
If elected, Mitchell plans to serve the people of Idaho by focusing on reducing the burden of property and income taxes, ensuring that government operates efficiently by eliminating outdated programs that waste taxpayer dollars.
“As the incumbent state representative, I have learned how to work with other legislators in creating sound policy for the people of Idaho,” Mitchell said. “Government doesn’t have its own money – it’s the people’s money and it’s time we start treating it that way… I’m also reviewing state budgets to reallocate funds from programs that are no longer necessary to areas that need them most. I will focus on reducing the burden of property and income taxes, ensuring that government operates efficiently by eliminating outdated programs that waste taxpayer dollars.”
Mitchell spoke on how improving the foster care system is pivotal to his campaign. “I’ll work to reform our foster care and adoption systems. While some regulations are necessary, too many create roadblocks that prevent children from finding loving homes.”
Additionally, he places a high importance on the education system, naming it another priority.
“Idaho’s kids need a robust education system that prepares them for real-world success, and I’m committed to making sure that happens,” he said.
Mitchell believes in the freedom of religion and acknowledges that all faiths are granted the right to practice what they believe.
“This region… is filled with a hardworking and diverse population of families and individuals, from our famers and loggers to our students, to all business and business owners that keep our communities thriving even through tough times,” Mitchell said on his website. He looks to serve his fellow citizens and protect their way of life.
Mitchell urges voters to vote ‘no’ on Proposition 1 to “protect the fairness, integrity and transparency of Idaho’s elections,” as described on his website.
Mitchell is pro-Second Amendment and pro-life.
“Our founding fathers did not write the Second Amendment as an afterthought,” Mitchell’s website says. “They included this to help protect all other rights and to keep a free society.”
On his pro-life stance, Mitchell says, “Protecting life is a priority and my adopted daughter is living proof of that.”
Rebekah Weaver can be reached at [email protected].