Latah County GOP considers McCann rebuke

Aug. 16—Rep. Lori McCann, of Idaho's 6th Legislative District, appeared before the Latah County GOP for possible censure over her voting record Tuesday night at Moscow; no decision was reached at press time.

The Latah County Republicans held a hearing during which they considered giving her a reprimand or censure over her voting record this past legislative session.

The meeting was open to the public, and many attended. Around 90 people were at the hearing at the 1912 Center in Moscow, where the available seating was filled and some people stood in the back.

During this past legislative session, McCann's voting record "appears to conflict with the Idaho Republican Party Platform," according to documents presented in Tuesday's meeting. The party listed 13 of McCann's votes it was opposed to.

Three of the 13 votes, McCann said prior to the meeting, were most contentious within the party.

McCann voted against HB 314, a library bill that would have limited minor's access to resources deemed "harmful" by parents, and possibly could have criminalized librarians for checking out said items.

She also voted against HB 265, the "drag show bill" that would have prevented minors from attending sexually explicit performances and could have possibly created a civil penalty.

The other bill was HB 24, which McCann voted in favor of funding the Idaho Launch Grant Program aiding people going into in-demand careers.

McCann had already received rebukes from the Nez Perce County Republicans in March and the Lewis County Republicans in April.

During Tuesday's meeting, McCann said she appreciated Latah County for giving her the opportunity of a hearing.

"I appreciate Latah doing this the right way, and there's a right way," McCann said.

McCann's district includes all Latah and Lewis counties, as well as part of Nez Perce County.

During the meeting, registered Republicans who live in the 6th District were allowed to give testimony for or against McCann. Ten people testified against the resolution, in McCann's favor, and nine people testified for the resolution, against McCann.

Many who testified in favor of McCann spoke to the Republican Party's principles, as some said they have changed over the years. They also said those who disagree with McCann's voting record may choose another representative to run against her at the end of her term.

Those who testified against McCann discussed the use of taxpayer money and public funds, as well as vaccines and the need to protect children from pornography and other matters.

But both sides questioned what it means to be a Republican.

Gabriel Rench, of Latah County, testified against McCann. He said Republicans have lost their way and don't know what it means to be Republican or conservative anymore.

"Republicans are so used to the shackles we don't even know what freedom and liberty look like anymore," he said. "There's inconsistencies across Republicans and I hope this process will bring back the Republican Party to its principles."

He added the library bill and the drag show bill are getting at bigger things. Rench said that other states are dealing with worse books and "pornographic parades," which are part of bigger issues that could be coming into Idaho.

Ben Beard, of Moscow, testified for McCann. He said he has been a lifelong Republican, and has been appalled and shocked by the Republican Party in the state of Idaho for 35 years.

"The Soviets had a central committee and the Communist Party in China had a central committee," he said. "And (Republicans) do the exact same thing."

The sentiment drew negative attention from the crowd, with one man yelling "Time's up, time's up!" But, they heard him out, some laughed and nodded at the end of his speech.

Beard said people can head to the polls and vote McCann out, but it isn't the job of the Republican Party.

"To censure this woman, I'm sorry, this party is upside down," he said. "This is not how other Republicans treat other Republicans."

Pearce can be reached at epearce@dnews.com.

An updated version of this story will be available online at dnews.com as events develop.