Fulcher won't stand up for Idaho public lands, so I won't vote for him

As for many Idahoans, fall is a special time of the year in our home. Any elk hunter is familiar with that unique sense of anxiety and hope over what the season will bring. This year, I am more anxious about losing access to the spaces which bring me and my family so much comfort, peace, and maybe, if I do my part, some meat in the freezer. Rep. Russ Fulcher has demonstrated his intent to commodify our public lands and permanently strip Idahoans of their access to vital economic, recreational, cultural, and spiritual spaces that nourish our bodies and souls. If it is any indication of how Fulcher's plan might actually shake out, look at the current administration's latest announcement which aims to 'give' a parcel of land in Yosemite National Park to private developers Kingsbarns Capital and Development, 'headed by former Black Rock executive Philip Mader.' If Teddy Roosevelt's 'solemn temple of the giant sequoias' can be gutted to make room for private development what make you think our lands are not next? Make no mistake, this is Fulcher's proposed future for Idaho. You wouldn't trust your elk spots with a land developer. Don't trust Fulcher with our public lands. Edward C Payne, Rathdrum In the November election, Todd Achilles, an Army veteran and independent candidate, is running against Sen. Jim Risch for the privilege of representing Idahoans in the U.S. Senate. Achilles clearly states that he opposes the cycle of endless wars, believes any military conflict should have a clear national interest justification, and supports congressional authorization of any war. In contrast, Risch has voted to sponsor and continue the Iranian war over and over. The evidence is in his voting record where he has voted against any congressional restriction to end hostilities or withdraw U.S. forces. Prior to one such vote in June he stated: 'I am going to urge everyone to vote no on this.' This is a war costing billions of dollars, causing double-digit inflation of key consumer items such as gasoline, costing our credibility among the world's nations, and most importantly costing American lives. It was planned to last only days but is now at six months and counting. Risch has an Achilles heel, and his name is Todd. I urge you to consider making Achilles our next U.S. senator as you cast your ballot in this year's upcoming election. Jeffrey Mousseau, Boise Former Idaho Democratic lawmaker Todd Achilles is still trying to convince voters he's a true 'Independent,' but his record tells a very different story, especially on the right to keep and bear arms. Achilles' website offers the usual 'I support the Second Amendment' lines and leans heavily on his military service, hoping voters will assume that makes him pro-gun. As an Iraq veteran myself, I can tell you plenty of people in uniform oppose the Second Amendment. Military service doesn't guarantee pro-gun values. What Achilles doesn't mention is far more revealing. In 2024, he earned an endorsement from Moms Demand Action, one of the most aggressively anti-Second Amendment organizations in America. Their endorsement requires candidates to complete a lengthy questionnaire and align with strict gun control positions. Achilles wasn't just a participant; he was one of only two Idaho candidates who met their standards. Moms Demand Action has opposed every pro-gun bill at the Idaho Capitol, including Constitutional Carry, campus carry and more. The organization supports red flag gun confiscation orders, mandatory waiting periods, storage mandates and bans on rifles they label 'assault weapons.' Their agenda mirrors the gun control regimes and efforts from Oregon, Washington, Colorado, California and Virginia. Achilles' voting record matches the endorsement. In 2024, he voted against SB 1275, protecting employers who allow lawful self-defense, and against SB 1374, safeguarding public carry on public property. Achilles' Moms Demand Action endorsement, combined with his votes, may prove to be his political Achilles' heel. Greg Pruett, Rigby According to Gov. Brad Little, 'Idaho is honored to be one of five contenders for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus. . . . Together, we'll power America's energy future.' Instead of welcoming more nuclear waste into Idaho, together we should be protecting Idaho's precious water and land — to say nothing of Idahoans who will be put at risk with this so-called honor. If Idaho is chosen to accept nuclear waste, will Idaho still be the place where our children and grandchildren choose to live? Mary Feeny, Boise In my world, character counts and integrity matters. Lori Hickman, Democratic candidate for Idaho attorney general, possesses those attributes, demonstrating them in her comportment and communication with others. The role of an attorney general is to interpret and uphold the law for all of Idaho, not only those who align with the values and beliefs of the person holding the office. This November, I am voting for Hickman. You should vote for her as well. Partisanship does not belong in the state attorney general's office. The rule of law applies to every one of us. Let us elect an office holder who is interested and supportive of all Idahoans. William Kaage, Boise Here's some idea of what is going to happen when dealing with the National Debt. For years the Republicans wanted to collect taxes to only pay on the national debt and fund the military. Now, if your willing to vote for Republicans then you might want to realize that you are giving them the power to: If you are willing to turn the U.S. back into the 16th century then by all means vote Republican. Jerald Johnson, Payette