This past decade, I have closely observed how the Republican Party works in Idaho, especially locally. Over the last couple of years, I’ve paid particular attention to the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee because I’ve seen a shift in attitudes. What was once an organization that championed Republican principles has grown adversarial. Why, because its membership has been infiltrated by those of the Constitution and Libertarian Party? I’ve often wondered, why not affiliate yourselves with your own party. To date I’ve assumed it’s because they can’t get elected under their own banner. But, I recently learned more -the real answer.

For as long as I remember, Kootenai County Republican Women Federated has been a standing agenda item at monthly Central Committee meetings. This once strong relationship between Kootenai County’s two largest Republican organizations facilitated many political achievements. Several months ago, in an effort to silence the women of KCRWF, our club was struck off the agenda. After the meeting, I asked Chairman Tina Jacobson why I was unable to speak. She replied that the Central Committee changed their by-laws – that she had been breaking the rules by placing me on the agenda. Puzzled, I tried to ask why, but she hurried out, maneuvering Mike Oliver, a precinct committeeman, in my path to terminate further questions.

On March 8 and 9, I attended the Idaho Federated Republican Women Convention and spring board meeting in Boise. Gov.Jan Brewer was the keynote speaker. First Lady, Laura Otter, graciously hosted a dinner at the governor's mansion in her honor.

Idaho has 16 recognized county Republican Women Federated clubs – all supervised by Idaho Federated Republican Women board (Note: a federated club has received recognition by the GOP as an official Republican organization). Doreen Knight is the president of IFRW. Each Republican women's club is expected to work closely with their county's GOP Central Committee. The problem is, about two years ago, Kootenai County's Central Committee terminated its relationship from its local Republican Women's club (Kootenai County Republican Women Federated) and publicly criticized another club, Reagan Republicans.

At the spring board meeting, Doreen Knight asked Jonathan Parker, new head of Idaho’s GOP, to attend the meeting and address my concerns, especially why KCRWF was disenfranchised from Central Committee – something not done by any other Idaho Central Committee. Jonathan was scheduled to speak for 30 minutes; however, he managed to further dodge the issue for over an hour.

Mr. Parker then changed the subject and ended his time by asking our local caucus experiences. I informed him that in the north it was chaos – we knew Idaho had selected Romney before our second vote. I also said it was a shame that those serving our nation – our brave military men and women – were excluded, along with elderly and many with jobs that keep them from participating. Because it was a weeknight, many had to leave, especially those with children. Furthermore, it took two hours just to eliminate Buddy Roemer, by then the media had announced Romney’s win!

Jonathan mentioned fielding many concerns over the caucus’ long hours. He assured us that during June’s Republican State Convention they will address how to make the caucus run more smoothly. I was then shocked by what he said next, “One suggestion was to make the voting go very quickly by only allowing the elected county Republican precinctmen to cast a vote in the Republican caucus.”

What, leave it to our local Central Committees? I finally uncovered the real answer. That’s what the Central Committee wanted in the first place. To remove the citizens of Idaho from the voting process. To cast YOUR VOTE FOR YOU! I heard the

Kootenai County Central Committee boast about how instrumental they were at the last State Convention in passing a Republican caucus in Idaho because it would encourage presidential candidates to visit Idaho. But that wasn’t because we had a caucus. It was only because we moved our selection process sooner. An earlier primary would accomplish the same thing.

I encourage each of you to look closely at what is going on. Get involved. Attend the Kootenai County Central Committee meetings at 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of every month at the County court house (next door to the DMV). Tell your state representative and senator to not let our local Central Committees rob us of our constitutional right to vote!

The Constitution of the United States was signed September 17, 1787, giving men the right to vote. It took 133 years for women to get the right to vote with the passing of the 19th Amendment on August 18, 1920.

It is becoming more of a battle every day to keep our rights, our freedoms and our voices. Your voice is your vote, and it’s this power that makes our country great. I am not willing to give up any of these constitutional rights. Are you?

Kellie Palm is a Hayden resident.