Libertarian Party of Idaho

Libertarian Party of Idaho
General Information
Chartered:	1975
Region:	None
Officers
Chair:	Jennifer Imhoff-Dousharm
Vice-Chair:	Aaron Mason
Secretary:	Dan Karlan
Treasurer:	Cathy Smith
Contact
Phone:	208-820-1967
Address:	PO BOX 2291 Eagle, ID 83616
Website:	Website
Social Media
Facebook:	Facebook
Twitter:	Twitter
MeWe:	MeWe

The Libertarian Party of Idaho ("LPID" in party bylaws) is the Idaho affiliate of the Libertarian Party.

History

1972-1975

The first Libertarian Party activity in Idaho occurred in 1972 when Steve Symms ran for Congress as a Republican and won.

From the March/April 1975 edition of LP News: "Libertarians are well along in the process of establishing a state organization. Fifty persons attended a recent organizational meeting in Boise, at which Roger MacBride spoke. A press conference given by MacBride was attended by all four area TV stations, three radio stations, and the Idaho Statesman. MacBride was also a guest on a news radio station's talk show. Preliminary work for the organizational meeting was coordinated by Allen Dalton with help from Bob Meier. Dalton is the new temporary chairman, James Jones is vice chairman, and Dale Green is secretary. The group is already working on a ballot status drive."

From the May/June 1975 edition of LP News: "The state LP's petition for affiliation is currently pending and the growing party group now has an attractive two-color membership card. The state organization has sent out a mailing to those participating in recent local libertarian educational events. Talks are being given to audiences that range from high school students to working class. The party has released a position paper on the Idaho Power coal-fired power plant proposal. Activity here has been distinguished by two articulate letters to the editor in leading newspapers. These letters explained and clarified the position of the LP to readers."

From the July/August 1975 edition of LP News: "The state LP is continuing its successful campaign of letters to newspapers. Letters in the Boise Idaho Statesman have discussed the LP platform, tax-funded compensation to crime victims, and taxation as theft. Letters in the Nampa Idaho Free Press and the Caldwell News-Tribune discussed the reception given libertarian ideas by the public. The Caldwell paper and the Twin Falls Times-News covered the LP position on a proposal to build a coal-fired power plant. The news stories reported that the LP opposed government franchises to public utilities, called for abolition of the Environmental Protection Agency, and called for holding utilities fully liable for all invasions of person and property via pollution."

From the November/December 1975 edition of LP News: "LPI Chairman Allen Dalton and Vice Chairman James Jerry Jones should be receiving stipends as editorial assistants from the Boise Statesman, given the number of lengthy letters they contribute to that paper. One of the most important figures behind the 1972 election of conservative Steve Symms to the U.S. Congress is becoming disenchanted with Symms' compromises on his previously articulated libertarian principles. Ralph Smeed, writing in a syndicated column in Idaho, claimed Symms has been influenced by 'big corporation lobbyists.' He goes on to commend the LPI for its uncompromising stand against a tax-supported center for the performing arts. Says Smeed, 'Libertarians, too, love art, but not by a compulsory tax.'"

1976

From the January/February 1976 edition of LP News: "The work of D. Allen Dalton and James Jerry Jones in Idaho continues to yield remarkable media coverage. They successfully coordinated Roger MacBride's two-day visit in February. The state LP ballot drive is underway, with the goal of obtaining twice the required 1300 signatures before the May 31 deadline."

From the March/April 1976 edition of LP News: "The ballot drive in this state appears well under control. State Chairperson D. Allen Dalton has until May 31 to get 1500 signatures. The LPI staged a tax protest at the Boise post office on Apr. 15. The Party received publicity for its endorsement of a bill in the state legislature that would guarantee parental control over children’s education. The bill was co-sponsored by libertarian Representative C.L. “Butch” Otter."

From the May/June 1976 edition of LP News: "The ILP has achieved ballot status and plans to run at least 20 candidates for office this year. Kathy Trotter of Utah and ILP leaders Allen Dalton and Larry Fulmer worked overtime to make the ballot drive a success. Dalton continues to receive good coverage from the important Boise Idaho Statesman in which he recently had published an excellent argument in favor of a totally private educational system. The Associated Press sent out an article that appeared throughout the state which featured Bannock County LP Chairman Larry Fullmer's criticism of Republican congressman George Hansen and the two Democrats seeking his seat. Fullmer pointed to their weak civil liberties positions and charged that voters "are left with no meaningful choice." It is expected that an LP candidate for Hansen's congressional seat will be nominated at the July 10 state convention in Pocatello. Roger MacBride is scheduled to speak at the convention. Telephone Allen Dalton at (208) 344-9697."

From the July/August 1976 edition of LP News: "Activity in Idaho has picked up remarkably since the state LP's July 10 state convention. Over 50 attendees met to map out strategy for the upcoming campaign. Roger MacBride has campaigned extensively throughout the state, one where the LP is expected to do rather well. MacBride was the subject of a recent full-page interview and article opposite the editorial page of the influential Idaho State Journal newspaper. Eleven LP candidates have filed for office. They include state chairman Allen Dalton (208/ 344-9697), Pearl McEvoy, Michael McEvoy, Robert Whitney, Lee Fernon, and Price Fernon. MacBride campaigned Aug. 23 and 24 in Pocatello, Boise, Lewiston, Caldwell, and Blackfoot."

1978

From the January/February 1978 edition of LP News: "Indications from Idaho are that organization and activity are increasing, heralded by the renewed publication of a state LP newsletter. For information about the Idaho LP, contact State Chair Larry Fullmer, P.O. Box 4106, Pocatello, Idaho 83201, (208) 232-2306."

From the March/April 1978 edition of LP News: "According to State Chair Larry Fullmer, plans are being formulated to hold the LP State Convention over Memorial Day weekend, and to run at least three candidates this fall in order to maintain LP ballot status. For further information, contact Fullmer at P.O. Box 4106, Pocatello, Idaho 83201, (208) 232-2306."

From the September/October 1978 edition of LP News: "The Idaho LP held its state convention on September 8 and 9 in Pocatello, re-electing Larry Fullmer as Chair and nominating Fullmer, Rodger Stevens, and Peter Hull as candidates for the State Senate. Convention speakers included First Amendment expert Nat Hentoff, LP National Director Chris Hocker and the chairman of the Idaho Tax Limitation Initiative. Much good media coverage was generated. For further information, contact Larry Fullmer at Box 4106, Pocatello, ID 83201 (208) 232-2306."

From the November/December 1978 edition of LP News: "LP State Chair Larry Fullmer took 15.1% of the vote in a three-way race for State Senate from the Pocatello area. Fullmer had expected to run better, but his efforts were damaged by the closeness of the contest between the Democrat, who won narrowly, and the Republican. According to Fullmer, “I knew I was in trouble when many of the people I talked to told me that they’d love to vote for me, but they just couldn’t let one of the other candidates win.” Other LP candidates included Peter Hull, who took over 2% in a State Senate race in Blackfoot, and Rodger Stevens, who polled over 5% in a three-way State Senate race near Pocatello."

1979

From the January/February 1979 edition of LP News: "The Fullmer for State Senate campaign generated considerable favorable media attention for the LP, especially in the Pocatello area, and the party has promised to increase its activities in 1979. Contact State Chair Larry Fullmer at P.O. Box 4106, Pocatello, ID 83201, (208) 232-2306."

From the March/April 1979 edition of LP News: "Members of the Idaho LP participated in the Political Action Workshops in Salt Lake City April 21 and 22. Plans are underway to take advantage of the party’s ballot status. Contact State Chair Larry Fullmer, P.O. Box 2106, Pocatello, ID 83201, (208) 232-2306."

Leadership

Current

• Jayson Sorensen, Chair (as of 2024)
• Chris Ward, Vice-Chair (as of 2024)
• Matt Loesby, Secretary (as of 2024)
• Adam Belnap, Treasurer (as of 2024)
• Amanda Ward, Region 1 Representative (as of 2024)
• Will Johanson, Region 2 Representative (as of 2024)
• Todd Corsetti, Region 3 Representative (as of 2024)

Former

As of 2020??

• Aaron Mason, Vice-Chair
• Dan Karlan, Secretary
• Cathy Smith, Treasurer
• Jennifer Ann Luoma, Region 1 Representative
• Jess Smith, Region 2 Representative
• Beth Clark, Region 3 Representative

Position	List
Chair	List

Vice-Chair

• James Jerry Jones (1975—1976)
• W. Scott Howard (2018-2020)
• John Charles Smith (2010)

Secretary

• Rob Oates
• Dwight Zitek

Treasurer

• Ted Dunlap

Other

• Missy Dunlap, Management Assistant
• Robbi Blessin,Outreach
• Mikel Chapman, Region 2
• Missy Dunlap, Management Assistant
• Larry Fullmer, founder
• Mikel Hautzinger, Region 2
• Phil Henry, Region 1
• Michelle Johnson, Region 3
• Rex Kerr, Membership

Leadership Controversies

• Libertarian Party of Idaho Leadership Controversy 2022

Affiliates

• Bannock County Libertarian Party
• Panhandle Libertarian Party

Conventions

• Idaho Convention 1975
• Idaho Convention 1976 - July 10 - Roger MacBride spoke
• Idaho Convention 1978 - September 8-9 - Pocatello, ID
• Idaho Convention 2021
• Idaho Convention 2022
• Idaho Convention 2023

Governing Documents

Constitution

• None

For historical constitutions see Index of Idaho State Party Constitutions

Bylaws

• Bylaws Adopted 2023 (info)

For historical bylaws see Index of Idaho State Party Bylaws

Elections

See: Libertarian Party of Idaho Historical Election Results

Size and Influence

Year	Minimum Unique Voters	Minimum Percent Of Voters	Registered Voters (Oct/Nov)	Percent of Registered Voters	Signature Members (Dec)	Signature Members Per Million Population	LNC Total Donors 2004 - 2016 Or Active Members 1972 - 2003 (Dec)	LNC Donors Per Million Population	State Rank Of Total LNC Donors (Of 51)
2021
2020	11,079	1.06%	11,079	1.06%
2019			8,231	0.95%
2018	6,551	1.07%	7,425	0.88%	797	454	80	45.60	39
2017			6,378	0.80%	779	454	68	39.61	42
2016	28,331	3.99%	5,229	0.64%	812	482	92	54.66	41
2015			4,596	0.62%	759	459	52	31.42	42
2014	17,884	4.02%	3,856	0.51%	754	461	54	33.04	43
2013			3,286	0.44%	737	457	67	41.54	40
2012	12,265	1.84%	1,312	0.17%	717	449	76	47.63	39
2011					678	428	66	41.67	42
2010	5,867	1.28%			667	425	73	46.48	40
2009					656	422	64	41.17	41
2008	9,958	1.49%			631	411	77	50.19	39
2007					599	398	66	43.85	40
2006	7,241	1.58%			584	398	47	32.00	41
2005					544	381	73	51.11	39
2004	11,549	1.88%					96	68.98	40
2003							83	60.88	40
2002	86,437	20.75%					142	105.94	36
2001							119	90.15	39
2000	13,635	2.64%					150	115.44	38
1999							147	117.44	38
1998	12,421	3.21%					133	108.05	40
1997							103	85.08	42
1996	5,377	1.06%					93	78.30	40
1995							49	42.06	43
1994	4,687	1.12%					31	27.30	42
1993							21	19.07	46
1992	2,764	0.56%					35	32.82	44
1991							38	36.58	40
1990	6,730	2.05%					41	40.52	37
1989							43	43.24	36
1988	30,472	7.23%					29	29.42	36
1987
1986
1985
1984	7,384	1.75%
1983
1982	668	0.20%
1981
1980	8,425	1.89%
1979
1978	2,041	0.69%
1977
1976	6,671	1.88%
1975
1974
1973
1972

External links

• Official Libertarian Party of Idaho website