Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is making history, but not in the way he wants.

He has to be leading the pack in political obituaries written about him, and he keeps giving fodder for these death notices. We’re constantly seeing reports about how Republicans are walking — no, running — away from his campaign and putting efforts into keeping GOP control of Congress. The strategy is akin to a football team trying to win a game without a quarterback.

The only thing that is keeping him within striking range in the polls is … his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, who is making almost as many gaffes as Trump. One of my favorites is her bold announcement that she will quit accepting corporate donations to the Clinton Foundation after she wins the presidential election. Of course, it’s OK for these wealthy donors, who buy and sell politicians like used cars, to contribute before the election. I’m sure that after the election, she will be accepting reservations for the Lincoln bedroom at the White House.

Still, there are some Republicans saying they are giving up on their nominee. Others seem to be holding out hope that he’ll drop out.

But none of that talk is happening in Idaho, which has been a lock for Republicans for almost half a century. The Trump campaign has hired Layne Bangerter, a veteran staffer for Sen. Mike Crapo, to lead the state’s campaign organization. Gov. Butch Otter and first lady Lori Otter are honorary chairs. The Idaho congressional delegation is behind Trump — not so much because of the candidate, but because they think Clinton would be so awful.

Bangerter says the Trump campaign is organized in all 44 counties and making its presence known at county fairs and other events. “We have over 8,000 volunteers ready to work the phones in Idaho and throughout America,” he said.

The question isn’t whether Trump carries Idaho, but how much. Bangerter thinks 70 percent, or more, is achievable. “Seventy percent don’t trust the Clintons, and I’d say the percentage in Idaho is higher than that.”

Bangerter concedes that his boss — who he refers to as “Mr. Trump” — makes a lot of controversial statements. But he says the candidate also offers some good ideas.

“Mr. Trump is not a politician, and he’s not politically correct,” Bangerter said. “He is a businessman who has proven himself to be effective and competent. That’s what he feels is lacking — competence in the executive branch.”

Bangerter likes Trump’s approach to reducing federal spending, building a strong national defense, simplifying the tax code and creating pro-growth policies. “His economic plan is music to our ears.”

Now, if only the media would cooperate and focus on the positive... “The media has been unfair to Mr. Trump,” Bangerter says.

Bangerter says he went to work for Trump with Crapo’s blessing, and plans to return to his work for the senator after the election. Crapo, who did not endorse a candidate during the Republican primary, is fully backing Trump.

“The choice we are presented with offers two distinctly different views of what America should be,” Crapo said. “One is big-government control of the economy, and a lower focus on individual rights and national defense. The other choice is a smaller federal government, a free market and a strong national defense. If we’d focus on those things, the choice becomes clear. We need to stop the bickering and focus on the common vision.”

Otter, in a news release announcing Bangerter’s appointment, gives Trump credit for putting Indiana Gov. Mike Pence on the GOP ticket.

“Lori and I know and respect Governor and Mrs. Pence and you cannot find a better fit than the Trump-Pence ticket,” Otter said. “Our in-state organization is united in purpose to elect Donald Trump and we all represent the vast spectrum of political ideals, which draw us to support this highly successful businessman.”

Unfortunately for Trump, he hasn’t enjoyed that kind of success on the campaign trail since the Republican National Convention. But if it’s any consolation to him, he at least can count on locking up Idaho’s four electoral votes.

Chuck Malloy is a columnist with Idaho Politics Weekly. He is a native Idahoan, graduate of the University of Idaho and long-time political reporter and editorial writer. He is a former political editor with the Post Register of Idaho Falls and a former editorial writer with the Idaho Statesman. He may be contacted at: ctmalloy@outlook.com.