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We don't often share articles from outside sources, but this article came out on Saturday, July 5 and it is relevant to the email we sent out last week about "Getting in the Weeds."

We are only going to post an excerpt here and give you the link to go read the rest of this great article about access politics. This is important in understanding what is going on in Idaho politics.


When Access Politics Turn to Vile Personal Attacks
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[Freedom Bros Podcast]([link removed])
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In my 13 years of deep involvement in Idaho politics, between running the Idaho Second Amendment Alliance and the Idaho Dispatch, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like this.

 

I’ve been sounding the alarm on what’s commonly known as “access politics” for years. It’s a phenomenon that has led to vicious personal attacks—many of them directed at principled conservatives.

 

Two North Idaho lobbyists/activists, Lauren Walker, and Brandy Paradee, are recent examples of those practicing access politics ([**see here for Idaho’s definition of a lobbyist**]([link removed]), which doesn’t require all lobbyists to register). I’ll start by explaining access politics and then walk through what’s unfolded in recent months, because the vileness on display by these two, and the damage they have done to our movement, is truly remarkable.


**What Is Access Politics?**
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Access politics occurs when someone seeks a “seat at the table” so badly that they’re willing to trade their principles or even their allies to gain and maintain that access. That means supporting certain politicians regardless of their voting record, avoiding criticism of their favorite politicians when those politicians have sold out or changed course, and often involves helping silence or attack those who do try and hold them accountable.

For politicians practicing access politics, it’s about gaining access to leadership, securing certain positions such as chairmanships, or getting your favorite bill heard in exchange for your silence. This happens all the time in politics, and Idaho’s legislature is just as guilty of this as any other state.

 

Do you want to know why D.C. is the way it is? Access politics is the answer.

 

The danger here is clear: if you’re protecting someone to maintain access, you can no longer hold them accountable.


**The Walker and Paradee Shift**
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Years ago, Walker appeared on the Freedom Bros Podcast, and I had no issues with her. I don’t believe I interacted with Paradee until earlier this year when she tried to drag me into this useless war, and I did my best then to avoid getting into a public war with her.

 

I did my best to let it all go. Still, this past week, both Walker and Paradee launched personal attacks on me after my fellow Freedom Bro, Dustin Hurst, published an article they decided was worth attacking me for, and not just me, but the ISAA, the Dispatch, and then all the work we have done for years to help conservatives in Idaho, on top of then making personal attacks against me. (Read the rest of the article at: [[link removed]]([link removed]))


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