State of Idaho Archives: on Drugs
Ammon Bundy:
Help drug abusers, don't lock up for drug use
If Bundy has his way, illegal drug use will get a pass. "They've learned how to function with their drug habit," he said. "And like it or not, I think they should be able to continue to function until they do something and then you punish that."
Bundy says we're putting too many people in jail, many for drug offenses. Bundy wants to put the savings from fewer prisoners into mental health programs to help Idahoans suffering from drug abuse and other related issues.
Source: KIVI-TV Idaho6 News on 2022 Idaho Gubernatorial race
Jul 20, 2021
Brad Little:
Five-year plan to face the scourge of opioid addiction
Former offenders cannot be successful after reentry and on parole if we don't have the necessary bed space and programs--such as drug courts--to halt the revolving door. Help for substance abuse is often only available once a person becomes an offender.
There is a clear nexus between mental health and substance abuse.Communities across Idaho face the scourge of opioid addiction and other substance abuse problems. Two years ago, the Idaho Office of Drug Policy and the Department of Health and
Welfare convened a stakeholder group that put together a strategic five-year action plan on tackling the issue of opioid addiction in Idaho.
We know the challenge is larger than just opioid addiction. Many problems that begin with opioids evolve into
heroin and fentanyl. Looking ahead, I will issue an executive order on substance abuse--formalizing this existing opioid plan, broadening these efforts, directing future resources, and creating non-offender programs for substance abuse.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Idaho legislature
Jan 7, 2019
David Roth:
For evidence-based programs to reduce substance abuse
I support directing more federal resources that are dedicated to evidenced-based programs proven to reduce substance use. These programs have been successfully implemented in communities across our country, including several right here in Idaho.
These programs are addressing the root causes of addiction and are proven to be successful.
Source: 2022 Idaho Senate campaign website RothForIdaho.org
May 22, 2022
David Roth:
Runs organization focused on youth drug & alcohol prevention
Q: Who are you? Tell us about yourself.A: I am a father of 2 young sons living in Idaho Falls. I am currently the Executive Director of a small non-profit focused on drug and alcohol prevention among youth.
In addition to my day job I serve on several non-profit boards related to housing, food insecurity, as well as a statewide organization focused on substance use prevention.
Source: Ballotpedia on 2022 Idaho Senate race
May 22, 2022
Dirk Kempthorne:
Target meth with more manpower
We are continuing to fight the increase in the manufacture, trafficking, and use of one of the most devastating drugs we’ve ever faced - methamphetamine. This past year, we shut down 176 meth labs across the state.
Our continued success is due to community outreach, public education, and greater collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement. I propose that we increase the manpower in our state police this year to further our fight.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 8, 2001
Ed Humphreys:
I made a lot of mistakes with past drug use
[The TV host] repeatedly asked Humphreys what types of drugs he used in the past. He declined to go into full detail about particular drugs. "I'm looking at you face to face, you're the one not answering,"
[the host] said. "And you mean to tell me that you actually believe that the voters of Idaho have no business knowing that answer.""I changed my life," he said. "I'm not going to give you a play-by-play of my life. I made a lot of mistakes."
Source: CBS2 Idaho News on 2022 Idaho Gubernatorial race
Jul 9, 2021
Ed Humphreys:
Idaho CANNOT legalize or decriminalize drugs in any way
Idaho CANNOT legalize or decriminalize drugs in any way, shape, or form! You don't get to say you back the blue but ignore them on this vital issue. Some folks are screaming there's medicinal benefits to drugs and people should
be free to get completely whacked out of their mind. No thank you. There can be ONE state in America that celebrates family values along with law and order.
Source: 2021 ID Gubernatorial campaign website EdForIdaho.com
Sep 20, 2021
Gary Peters:
Implement voter legalization of medical marijuana
Gary Peters and his opponent, Rocky Raczkowski, are like two bad sports talk radio partners: they simply disagree on everything. (Except immigration, a hot button issue in which pandering to either side can seriously jeopardize your campaign.) The two
candidates have become cartoon caricatures of their respective parties. Peters gets painted as a flaming liberal who kowtows to the "socialist" liberal agenda and Raczkowski is deemed a tin-foil hat wearing ultra right-wing lunatic. Case in point: this
Freep summation of their positions on the only other 3 issues in this election:
- Health care reform
Peters: Supported
Raczkowski: Wants to repeal - Gays in the military
Peters: Repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy
Raczkowski:
Keep the policy - Federal enforcement of medical marijuana laws
Peters: Wants Michigan voters' legalization of medical marijuana implemented without federal interference
Raczkowski: Wants no further expansion of medical marijuana law
Source: Michigan Lawyers Weekly on 2014 Idaho Senate race
Sep 10, 2010
Janice McGeachin:
Scholarships for high schoolers agreeing to random drug test
Excerpts from legislation: Key to the Future Scholarship: pilot program to encourage students to be drug, alcohol and tobacco free. The state board of education shall select one large school district, one medium sized school district and
one small school district to participate.
Eleventh graders shall complete a form that the student agrees to be drug, alcohol and tobacco free for the entire calendar year, and for the duration of the student's high school age years, and that the student agrees to voluntarily participate in a
random drug testing program.Legislative outcome:Rep. McGeachin voted YEA on H 503, Scholarships for Drug-Free Students; bill passed House 55-14-1.
Source: Idaho Legislative voting records on HB 503
Feb 26, 2008
Michael Crapo:
2012: Pleaded guilty after DUI arrest, and apologized
Mike Crapo announced that he'll run for re-election in 2016, seeking a fourth six-year term. There had been some speculation that Crapo might not run again after his DUI arrest in December 2012, to which he pleaded guilty and apologized. Crapo had long
been known as a teetotaler because of his strict Mormon faith. The arrest shocked his supporters.After the arrest, he told police he had consumed several shots of vodka before going for a drive. He was arrested after making a U-turn at a red light.
He registered a 0.11 blood-alcohol level at the scene. He was sentenced to a $250 fine, a suspended 180-day jail sentence, an alcohol awareness program and a one-year license suspension.
After his guilty plea, Crapo told reporters he had started
drinking at home during the previous year in a misguided attempt to relieve stress, and regretted bringing shame to himself and his faith. "I'm swearing off alcohol and I am not going to continue to drink," he said then.
Source: Spokesman-Review coverage of 2016 Idaho Senate race
May 13, 2015
Paulette Jordan:
Legalize marijuana and create tax revenue from it
Jordan said she fully supports legalizing marijuana, and backed unsuccessful legislation in the state House to decriminalize it. "This is a natural medicine that grew here for thousands of years," she said. "Unfortunately, we're seeing it being replaced
by the opioid drugs through the opioid industry, which are far more impactful, hurtful, harmful to rural communities and they are destroying our communities. Jordan added that legalizing marijuana could add "millions of dollars in tax revenue."
Source: The Spokesman-Review on 2018 Idaho Gubernatorial race
Apr 22, 2018
Raul Labrador:
Scholarships for high schoolers agreeing to random drug test
Excerpts from legislation:: Key to the Future Scholarship: pilot program to encourage students to be drug, alcohol and tobacco free.
The state board of education shall select one large school district, one medium sized school district and one small school district to participate.
Eleventh graders shall complete a form that the student agrees to be drug, alcohol and tobacco free for the entire calendar year, and for the duration of the student's high school age years, and
that the student agrees to voluntarily participate in a random drug testing program. Legislative outcome: Rep. Labrador voted YEA on H 503, Scholarships for Drug-Free Students; bill passed House 55-14-1.
Source: Idaho legislative voting records: HB 503
Feb 26, 2008
Russ Fulcher:
Oppose efforts to legalize marijuana, including "medical"
Legislative Summary:Be It Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Idaho:WHEREAS, marijuana has a negative impact on public health and safety; and- WHEREAS, the THC content of marijuana has risen dramatically in the last 30 years;
and
- WHEREAS, marijuana use has a detrimental effect on individual learning and brain development; and
- WHEREAS, national pro-marijuana organizations have invested millions to push drug legalization in America, and have targeted
Idaho for a "medical" marijuana initiative in 2014; and
- WHEREAS, drug legalization efforts in other states have led to social, economic and legal chaos, with programs full of fraud and abuse; and
- NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Idaho
Legislature states its opposition to efforts to legalize marijuana for any purpose in the State of Idaho.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 29-5; Sen. Russ Fulcher voted YEA; no further action after Resolution passed.
Source: Idaho legislative voting records: SCR 112
Feb 25, 2013
Stephen Heidt:
Legalize medical marijuana; decriminalize personal use
Someone close to me was very ill and was prescribed cannabis for their symptoms. Not only was it beneficial to them, but it also had fewer side effects than other medications and was MORE affordable. We have medical patients that need access to this
medicine. It should be available for those who need it and have a doctor's prescription. Idaho farmers should be allowed to grow it.It should be decriminalized and the punishment for personal possession should be the equivalent of a speeding ticket.
Source: 2022 Idaho Governor campaign website HeidtForGovernor.com
May 19, 2022
Tom Sullivan:
No mandatory prison for drugs, yes substance-abuse treatment
Q: Do you support programs that provide prison inmates with substance abuse treatment? A: Yes.
Q: Do you support mandatory prison sentences for selling illegal drugs?
A: No.
Source: Idaho Congressional 2010 Political Courage Test
Sep 9, 2010
Tommy Ahlquist:
More law enforcement & clinical resources for opioid crisis
Ahlquist today announced his action plan to address Idaho's ongoing opioid crisis. The goal will be to reduce the number of opioid deaths in Idaho by 50% in 4 years. Tommy Ahlquist, M.D., says, "Whether from prescription opioids or illegal heroin--the
death of even one Idahoan in the opioid epidemic is one too many."To reduce the number of opioid deaths:- Join six other states in declaring a state of emergency
- Raise public awareness and assemble a broad group of leaders to help fight this
crisis including state and local law enforcement, medical professionals, community leaders and churches
- Ensure law enforcement agencies and first responders have the training and equipment necessary to fight this crisis
- Evaluate and consider smart
investments in substance abuse clinics that can help address this crisis
- Improve life-saving naloxone (opioid reversal drug) dissemination, and access to medical assisted treatment programs, and non-opioid chronic pain therapies in Idaho
Source: 2018 Idaho Gubernatorial campaign website TommyForIdaho.com
Mar 21, 2018
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023