OPINION: It is high time to turn the page on hyper-partisan politics in Idaho

Four years ago, I had the pleasant experience of meeting Todd Achilles. At the time, I had plans to set up a cross-partisan group of military veterans to weigh in on issues important to preserving our constitutional system. Veterans put their lives on the line to protect that system. Upon learning that Todd had volunteered for the U.S. Army and served as an armor officer and tank commander, a partnership began. We established Veterans for Idaho Voters as a force to prevent extreme partisanship from poisoning necessary public policy reforms. Our military oath was to be our guiding light.

I’ve been impressed with the way Todd has carried that banner in his political endeavors ever since. During his time in the Legislature, he did not let partisan labels stand in the way of working across the aisle to create necessary policies respectful of constitutional guidelines. Todd is now seeking to take that agenda to the national level. He will be a remarkable U.S. senator.

Achilles has pledged to vote against continuing the unlawful war in Iran that has dangerously depleted our weapon stockpiles, sent fuel prices soaring, made fertilizer practically unaffordable even if farmers can find enough, and raised the price of everything shipped to market. Jim Risch just voted again Sept. 24 to continue this wretched war; despite the damage it is inflicting on our economy and world standing.

Risch has refused to perform the most important duties placed on senators by the Constitution, including the war power, the power of the purse and the power to control trade and tariffs. The entire Idaho delegation has allowed the president to run roughshod over the Constitution to the great damage of Idaho families.

Risch has simply run out of gas after his 50 years of holding a variety of public offices. He won’t debate, attend public forums or vote to fund programs necessary to meet the needs of Idahoans. If elected, he’ll have until his 89th birthday to slumber in the Senate.

On the other hand, Todd Achilles has been running a remarkable campaign. He has been practically everywhere in the state, listening to people, providing solutions and giving hope and inspiration to discouraged folks. He understands the new challenges facing the country — frightening government surveillance, how to manage AI, data centers and the like. Risch does not have the knowledge or inclination to address new challenges. He has always been a hyper-partisan tactician, instead of a big picture statesman.

Idaho needs a senator who can work effectively into the future, who can see around the next corner to recognize and respond to new threats, rather than one like Risch, who views life in the rear-view mirror. I can say that because it is true and because, being just a year older than Risch, I know how time can weigh on your health and mind. If you think he is lethargic now, just wait.

I’ve been an observer of, and participant in, Idaho politics since graduating from college in 1964 — throughout law school, Vietnam, to the present. The three things that impress me most about candidates for public office are having impeccable ethics, championing important issues and having the courage to stand up to make a difference. Todd has all of those qualities. Senator Risch has none of them.

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Jim Jones is a Vietnam combat veteran who served eight years as Idaho Attorney General (1983-1991) and 12 years as Justice of the Idaho Supreme Court (2005-2017). He also publishes at substack.com/@jjcommontater.