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Idaho State Senator District 26 Choose 1

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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Laurie Lickley (Rep)

Biographical Information

Term (120) 842-0797
Campaign Phone 208-420-7975
Facebook page Laurie Lickley for Idaho Senate
X known as Twitter @@LaurieLickley

1. What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

I want to preserve and protect Idaho's future by bringing civil dialogue and respect back to the Idaho Legislature, investing in education and our educators, mental health, responsible tax policies, while also protecting both agriculture, water, and public lands. With my extensive background on the Idaho Behavioral Health Council and in the agricultural industry and natural resource policy arenas, I hope to bring responsible leadership to the good people in Blaine, Lincoln, and Jerome Counties.

2. What experience has prepared you for this office?

As a mother, grandmother, and a small business owner, I have decades of experience in natural resource and agricultural policy. I am aware that I am not an expert in all areas but thrive to seek those that are and bring them to the conversation.

With two terms in the Idaho House of Representatives for Jerome and most of rural Twin Falls County through 2022, I was an advocate for early childhood education (read, talk, play) and proponent of k-12 and higher education, including technical training. Additionally, I served three years on the ID Behavioral Health Council; we rolled out the 9-8-8 Crisis Hotline in ID and stood up additional mental health resources for our youth. I also serve on the Idaho Contraceptive Ed. Network Board.

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

Growth will continue to be one of our bigger challenges as it puts pressure on roads, schools, emergency services, and other infrastructure.

In a straw poll that I conducted with folks in Lincoln, Blaine, and Jerome County they said that education, healthcare, mental health, tax policies, and infrastructure support were all at the top of their lists. I would add water, agricultural protection, and public lands in public hands. Some also mentioned combatting extremism in Idaho.

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.

Yes. I want to create a movement and a safe place to talk about women's health, mental health, and access to contraception. Among Idaho Republicans in a recent survey, 83% expressed support for policies that either maintain or expand access to birth control, and 85% believe that contraceptives play a crucial role in reducing unplanned pregnancies and abortions in Idaho.

In another survey conducted by BSU, 58% of Idahoans prefer to expand exceptions to abortion. Idaho is solidly pro-life, but it will take a reasonable Republican to lead the necessary changes to protect all lives.

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

Truth, evidence, and facts. Reasoned discourse and fiscal accountability. I am Laurie Lickley; together, we will protect the American Dream, our families, our communities and Idaho's future. Hard work inspires me to be a better leader, and I do not back down from adversity and thrive on diversity. I am excited to work with each of you to preserve and protect Idaho's future.

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Kala Tate (Ind)

Biographical Information

1. What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

Candidate has not yet responded.

2. What experience has prepared you for this office?

Candidate has not yet responded.

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

Candidate has not yet responded.

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.

Candidate has not yet responded.

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

Candidate has not yet responded.

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Ron Taylor (Dem)

Biographical Information

Term (120) 872-0891
Campaign Phone 208-831-1726
Facebook page ron taylor for senate

1. What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

I would very much like to repeal the restrictive abortion laws that Idaho has implemented over the last few years. I will continue to protect and fight for our public schools. I would love to reinstate the EBT benefit that was removed this year. I will continue to fight to keep our right to vote in free and fair elections. I would like to see "add the words" finally make it across the finish line and will work to make that happen.

2. What experience has prepared you for this office?

I have been fortunate to spend the last two sessions as a State Senator. I have spent time learning how to craft good legislation that will benefit all Idahoans. Most important is my ability to work with those legislators with whom I might not see eye to eye with. I believe strongly in people over party and listen to my constituents and their needs. Gaining a good knowledge of my district, which is very diverse, and keeping on top of the issues that affect our way of life help inform the decisions that I make on behalf of my constituents.

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

Personally, I feel that Idaho is going backward. I am concerned that Idaho is becoming a state where hate groups can once again gather and have protection from the law. There has been recent legislation that is setting the groundwork for this to happen. I am also worried about the future of health care in Idaho, not just for women, but for all people. Another issue that will need to be addressed is the changing energy landscape. How does Idaho move forward into the green, renewable energy field without losing it's agricultural identity and our natural beauty? How do we get a seat at the table to guide our way forward instead of being at the whim of large corporations whose only concern is their bottom line?

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.

Absolutely!!! As legislators we have no right telling people what kind of medical attention they need. We are not physicians; we should be listening to them to help guide us in our decision making. Medical decisions should be between the patient and the care provider. Physicians take the Hippocratic oath, swearing to do no harm, doing what is in the best interest of their patients. I would like to see such an oath crafted for legislators.

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

I have been honored to serve my district and the people of Idaho. It is a humbling experience to know that people chose me to represent them. I hope to continue in this position. I appreciate all the support that I have received during my two years. Thank you.