Herndon doesn’t represent my Republican Party

By George Eskridge
Reader Contributor

Scott Herndon proposes removal of Bonner County Republican Central Committee members for supporting candidates or expressing ideas contrary to “Republican values.” Herndon seeks political loyalty through political coercion.

A political party’s strength comes from members free to exercise judgment and not by requiring members to surrender that judgement. Sometimes a candidate emerges who, regardless of party label, is better qualified, more trustworthy or closely aligned with the community’s interests. We know too well how a community suffers when a party loyalist pursues party agendas and ignores the needs of our residents.

“Loyalty” to party should never become a duty to put party above conscience, voters or constitutional principles. Republicans champion individual liberty, independent thought and personal responsibility. Punishing committee members for exercising those values would turn the party’s commitment to freedom into an internal loyalty test. 

Likewise, Republican officials should choose candidates who earn voter support through sound policies and effective leadership, not threats.

Herndon’s goals for the Republican Party use coercion rather than genuinely earning members’ votes. I urge Bonner County Republicans to reject this corrupt effort and restore the Republican Party as the party of personal liberty, freedom of conscience and a government practicing both.

George Eskridge served 14 years as a Republican from District 1 in the Idaho House of Representatives and is the former mayor of the city of Dover.