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VOTE411 Voter Guide

Idaho State Senator District 9

Idaho Senate members serve a 2-year term and are responsible for translating the public will into public policy for the state, levying taxes, appropriating public funds, and overseeing the administration of state agencies. These responsibilities are carried out through the legislative process — laws passed by elected representatives of the people, legislators.

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  • Candidate picture

    Rachel Buck
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Brandon Shippy
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

1. What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

2. What experience has prepared you for this office?

3 What do you see as the most significant challenges Idaho faces that you might be able to address in this position?

4. Would you support legislation to remove criminal liability for physicians and pregnant women experiencing life threatening pregnancy complications and allow for medical and family decisions regarding continuation of that pregnancy? Please explain your response.

5. Is there anything else you would like to tell the voters?

Term (208) 713-9583
Campaign Phone 2087139583
I am running as a Democrat because I believe in this American experiment. I believe the best type of government is a representative one. With diversity, comes strength. I hope to restore the notion of small government, provide transparency, and earn the trust of constituents. Consequences of our legislation has left some, like myself, in the crosshairs by implementing extreme policies. I promise to legislate in the best interests of constituents and never choose party platform or special interest groups over people.
I graduated BSU with a B.S. in Psychology and obtained a certificate in Mediation. I managed several law offices in Boise, Idaho for approximately 18 years, handling cases in the State and Federal Courts. Recently, I participated in the largest 9th Circuit case in history. I was admitted to law school at U of I and rescinded my application due to Idaho’s political climate. I have seen first hand how laws impact real people and can conceptualize the affects. In my experience, I have learned that laws are black and white, while people live in shades of gray. I understand the role of the legislation, the importance of representation within its bounds, and balancing that role with the judicial and executive branches of government.
I believe the biggest challenges Idahoans face are tax relief, protection of agriculture and water rights, growth, public school funding, voting, and access to health care (women’s health and Medicaid). I believe we will continue to see attacks on these and other matters until voters demand more. My legal background has taught me, with great power comes great responsibility and our current representatives are not proceeding with care, leaving real people negatively impacted. I will protect the interests of my constituents and prevent any further government overreach.
Absolutely. The State has done a great job protecting the life of the unborn, while strapping the risks associated with pregnancy to women and doctors. Pregnancy is risky. Consequently, hospitals are closing and doctors are leaving the profession. When doctors are threatened by punitive laws, patients inevitably bear the brunt of the consequences through increased suffering and harm, especially in rural areas. Women will take more risks, such as sepsis, for fear of legal consequences. Women deserve autonomy and privacy. The quality of life and health of pregnant people are most impacted by Idaho’s bans. Forcing patients to travel long distance or flight for health care is not good policy. Idaho’s bans are bad for Idahoan’s.
I am a fourth generation Idahoan. I won’t pretend to have all the answers and I am eager to listen. Lived experiences are crucial to understanding one another. Our branches of government are designed to provide checks and balances. When the Idaho legislature commits overreach, it is expensive for us all. Idaho deserves better representation. I will commit to doing what is right for the constituents in my district, even when it means standing up to opposition. I will listen to the concerns of our healthcare professionals and women who are impacted. My opponent is constrained to act by party politics and adhere to an extremist loyalty oath. I ask for your vote so our vision of Idaho is accessible and your voice will matter.
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