PONDERAY — There is no mystery as to why people are fleeing other states and flocking to the Gem State, according to Idaho GOP candidates and incumbents.

“It’s no wonder they’re leaving whatever state they’re in – usually blue – and come into Idaho,” Republican gubernatorial candidate Brad Little said during an Idaho GOP bus tour stop in Bonner County on Friday.

Little faces Constitution party candidate Walter Bayes, Libertarian Bev “Angel” Beck, Democrat Paulette Jordan in the Nov. 6 general election.

Janice McGeachin, who’s on the GOP ticket for lieutenant governor, agreed.

“They’re coming here because they’re going away from states that have wandered far from the American foundations of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Our state more fully embodies the principals in our founding documents,” said McGeachin, who is being challenged by Democratic candidate Kristin Collum on Election Day.

Russ Fulcher, who’s locked in a crowded race the District 1 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, told the crowd of Bonner County Republicans that the Democrat party candidates on ballots this election cycle are a far cry from the candidates of their parents or grandparents.

“This is a socialistic movement,” said Fulcher. “What’s at stake is really critical.”

Fulcher is up against Indpendants Gordon Counsil, Paul Farmer and Natalie Fleming, in addition to Libertarian W. Scott Howard, Democrat Cristina McNeil and Constitutional candidate Pro-Life, a resident formerly known as Marvin Richardson.

Incumbent Attorney General Lawrence Wasden reminded the audience that he sued federal government because a prior presidential administration used a Department of Homeland Security memo to change federal law, something Congress is supposed to do. He recently defended his action during a constitutional law class in Boise. Wasden said the budding attorneys said they respected the rule of law, but that Wasden’s position “didn’t feel right” to them.

“We don’t live by the rule of ‘feel good.’ We live by the rule of law. That’s what I’ve upheld, that’s what I will continue to uphold,” said Wasden, who is being challenged by Democrat Bruce Bistline in the general election.

Incumbent Idaho Secretary of State Lawerence Denney urged the local GOP to ensure their friends and neighbors show up at the polls or return their absentee ballots.

“It’s so very important to get those like-minded people out to the polls so our voice is heard,” said Denney, who goes up against Democrat Jill Humble on Nov. 6.

Incumbent Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherry Ybarra said her re-election bid was a four-year evaluation and her marks are good. She said math and reading scores are on the rise, as are graduation rates.

Ybarra, who faces Democrat Cindy Nelson, also disputed a report that Idaho’s ranked 48th in nation for education and pointed to ACT and SAT results.

“Interestingly enough, our students in Idaho have outranked the national average, which has catapulted Idaho to number five in the nation for college and career-ready (students),” Ybarra said.

Julie Ellsworth, who’s running succeed GOP treasurer Ron Crane, doesn’t have competition in the general election, but she took part in the tour to support her fellow candidates and push a get-out-the vote message.

“We are at the point in the election where we can be pushing it out and getting people out. Please call people. It is you and your friends,” said Ellsworth.

Incumbent Controller Brandon Woolf, also lacks a general election challenger, said the state is preparing to roll out a new website to improve transparency.

“It’s that transparency that you need, want and expect government to have so you can hold our feet to the fire,” said Woolf.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.