Idaho Scores D- On Accountability | News

Would you say the state of Idaho is accountable? If you thought yes, your opinion would not match the score of a recent integrity investigation. The state ranks #40 in the nation, or a D- if you want to go by the letter grading system. The Center for Public Integrity released new data yesterday that examines state politics and just how dirty it gets.

Idaho ranks in the same level as many other sparsely-populated states in the nation like Wyoming and the Dakotas. The watchdog group says the honest belief that “everybody knows everybody” has overridden the perceived need for strong protections in law.

They also cite libertarianism roots, that small-town and neighborly approach to government. A lack of transparency is also to blame. Idaho has no financial disclosure requirements for lawmakers and executive branch officials.

And just how long should a public official leaving office wait until they register as a lobbyist? IN Idaho, there is no waiting time. A legislator can lose their re-election campaign and enter the private sector and become a lobbyist.

Betsy Russell, who writes for The Spokesman-Review, contributed to the center’s report at State Integrity Investigation, a story behind the D- score. She writes:

Indeed, Idaho's lack of financial disclosure and "revolving-door" laws leaves its state government vulnerable. Even though most public officials here may be honest, hard-working and dedicated to doing the right thing, without disclosure requirements, there's no way to know for sure.

Meanwhile, the state next door, Washington, ranked with a B-.