Members of the Greater Idaho Movement are frustrated by Oregon's reluctance to consider Oregon's request to move the state border so that many counties are instead part of Idaho, and have Seeking high level assistance. On Wednesday, leaders of metropolitan Idaho sent a letter to President-elect Donald Trump asking for support.
Oregon state government ignores this movement
So far, 13 eastern Oregon counties, primarily east of the Cascade Mountains, have voted to consider such a move. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek (D) and the left-leaning state government have largely ignored the movement, other than vague platitudes about “listening” to the concerns of eastern Oregon residents. Kotek said in 2023.
I met frustrated Oregonians in Salem who wanted to be heard. And certainly some of them may have voted in favor of the bill going to Idaho. But it's something like this: I just want to be heard. ”My job as governor is to make sure the voices of the people are heard. We may not always agree on everything, but all perspectives need to be on the table.
But despite Kotek's “listening tour” of the state, many people in eastern Oregon remain frustrated with Salem's lack of concrete efforts to take their concerns seriously. There is. Greater Idaho organizers feel they can use President Trump as a “hands-on problem solver” to grease the wheels.
Greater Idaho President Mike McCarter said in a Dec. 4 statement:
They have made it clear that they want to start a discussion on borders. We also reached out to the Oregon State Legislature and Governor Kotek, but received no response. Oregon's government isn't willing to listen to eastern Oregonians, but I believe the president will.
Greater Idaho is monitoring how much time has passed since hearing from Kotek. Currently, it is 147 days.
Movement seeks support from Trump
“As leaders of the Greater Idaho Citizens Movement, we are excited to see the incoming administration’s promise to solve old political problems with new approaches.Unlike the typical politician, you have hands-on experience in getting things done. You have the unique ability to be a problem solver and With your help, we can bring about a peaceful resolution to Oregon's long-standing East-West divide. Helping achieve this will only cement your legacy as a peacemaker and change-maker. ,” the letter to Trump said.
Malheur and Baker counties, two counties that had already voted to consider moving to Idaho, voted in November on a ballot measure asking whether to stop considering moving to Idaho. The measure failed in both counties.
The request to Trump escalates the movement to a higher level. So far, neither Trump nor his representatives have publicly commented on the letter.
Greater Idaho is one of several movements of people dissatisfied with their representation in left-leaning states. There are also moves in Illinois, where 33 counties have voted to secede from Chicago and Cook County. And in Northern California, Jefferson supporters want a break from Sacramento's left-wing policies.
But so far, nothing has gained traction in the Greater Idaho movement. Perhaps seeking Trump's help will help them.
