LAWFARE!

I will not be intimidated by lawfare!

A few weeks ago I shared my story of being kicked out of what was advertised as an open public meeting in Twin Falls. Despite the presence of numerous other Republicans in attendance, the organizer Larry Hollifield apparently thought I should not be allowed to hear the discussion.

One of the main speakers for this event was Christa Hazel, a woman from North Idaho who claims to be a Republican despite supporting Joe Biden. I shared some things people had told me about her, her background, and her positions. Her speech in Twin Falls was advertised as a warning about certain people and groups in Idaho, so I thought it important to learn a little bit about her as well. 

Just a few days ago, however, I received a threat from Ms. Hazel’s lawyer that said I had until December 22 to retract the entire post and publish a pre-written apology or else I would face legal consequences. (Email and letter shared below.)

Have you ever heard of “lawfare”? It’s the practice of using lawsuits, or even just the threat of lawsuits, to attack, intimidate, or outright silence your political opponents. This is something the left has been doing for years, so it’s disappointing to see it coming from those who claim to be fellow Republicans.

Remember that this all started when I was unceremoniously kicked out of a meeting. Perhaps Christa Hazel and her friends should remember the words of Scripture:

Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops. Luke 12:2-3

The Republican Party that I support is one that believes in transparency, not hiding in the dark. Republicans don’t kick legislators out of meetings they were invited to, even if the invitation was accidental. Republicans don’t threaten lawsuits in response to free speech.

Republicans don’t support Democrats like Joe Biden, either, but here we are.

Thankfully there is some good news on the horizon. My colleague in the Idaho Freedom Caucus, Senator Brian Lenney, will be introducing a bill this session to stop frivolous lawsuits that are designed to shut down free speech. The legal field calls these “Strategic lawsuits against public participation” and 33 states already have anti-SLAPP laws on the books. Laws like this give judges the power to dismiss lawsuits that are obviously frivolous and designed to silence, censor, and intimidate political opponents. It’s time that Idaho joined them. 

I will not be retracting my statement, because I will not allow threats of lawfare to cow me into submission. I promised my voters that I would always tell them the truth, and that is what I will do, no matter what. I don’t work for Senate leadership, and I don’t work for special interests that want to control what I say and do. I work for the voters of District 24, period, END OF STORY!