The first amendment of the US Constitution, guaranteeing freedom of speech and freedom of religion is one which I and other advocates for Add the Words respect deeply. We respect it every bit as much as Idaho legislative leaders do. Some of us have a willingness to make clear in the bill, to spell out and reiterate the exact nature of first amendment rights as the relate to the inclusion of gay and transgender people in Idaho's human rights act. Continue reading

This is not a proud day for our state. Not a proud time.... Do you see us as deserving of the daily humiliation of being turned away from businesses in communities across the state? Do you not care that young people, especially in small communities, will simply continue to despair knowing this humiliation awaits them, even after the brutality of high school? Continue reading

It's true, I'm no longer sitting in that seat on the floor of the Idaho Senate or House. I'm not rising to speak when something needs to be said, but my voice is still out here Continue reading

The U.S. Constitution begs us not to let religion conflict with protecting the lives & liberties of those whom we, as public servants, are sworn to govern and serve. Some will always use religion to grasp at reasons to continue... Continue reading

Friends, Former Colleagues, I no longer serve with you, but I’d like to say a few words. You, of the Idaho House and Senate, I think you know in your hearts, you still have work to do. I never was... Continue reading

Photos from my 2012 Campaign for U.S. Congress. 500 Volunteers. 10 Staff. 4 field offices. 2000 donors. Over $300,000 raised from regular ordinary Idahoans. 110,000 votes in one of the toughest years to run as a Democrat in Idaho. Over... Continue reading

Eight months ago, standing in the statehouse considering whether to run for Congress, I figured I could run a good campaign. What's amazing is that, together with thousands of you, my team ran the best campaign many have ever seen... Continue reading

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When I filed to run for office in March, I couldn't have imagined what beautiful things I'd see in this state, in its people, in the generosity and passion and kindness so many have shown me. Every day I am... Continue reading

As a member of the House Budget Committee today voting to oppose a continuing resolution to keep from shutting every federal agency and service down, Rep. Mike Simpson does little to offer solutions to the current budget stalemate. As a... Continue reading

These are some of the critical issues voters will consider in the congressional campaign and election on Tuesday November 6. Senator Nicole LeFavour is a teacher and former small business owner who grew up in rural central Idaho. She’s served... Continue reading

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 10, 2012 Four-term Idaho State Senator Nicole LeFavour announced today she will seek election to the U.S. House of Representatives in Idaho’s second congressional district which encompasses North East Boise, Mountain Home, Twin Falls, Ketchum, Burley,... Continue reading

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feburary 24, 2012 Idaho State Senator Nicole LeFavour announced Friday that after eight years serving in the Idaho legislature she will not seek a third term in the Idaho Senate. “It has been such a deep honor... Continue reading

On February 10 the bill to Add the Words to include gay and transgender people in Idaho's Human Rights Act was killed without a word of public testimony. For six years the Idaho legislature has refused to allow a single... Continue reading

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For immediate release January 24, 2012 Add the Words Continues to Post Sticky Notes in Capitol In an ongoing effort, members of the Add the Words, Idaho campaign, continue to post sticky notes daily on the doors of the House... Continue reading

Sharing this from Add the Words: Friends Statewide, Today's the day. From Coeur d'Alene to Idaho Falls we'll gather. Bring a pen and, if you can, a sticky note all written out. If there's no event in your town, PLEASE... Continue reading

Today I sit at home at my living room table, a scarf, hot tea and afternoon sun keeping me from feeling the cold of the house-- which we keep in the low 50s except when the wood stove is burning.... Continue reading

Off through the dark tonight the stathouse grounds are cold and snowless. When the gavel falls and the 2012 session begins on January 9th, I will begin my 8th year serving in the Idaho legislature. After what seem like so... Continue reading

In these last days, the boxes come out. Empty stacks of them line the halls like flimsy coffins. Senator McKenzie announced this morning we have tied now with the 10th longest session in our 121 year history. By Friday we... Continue reading

On the floor of the Senate in afternoon session. The sun shines down from above through the frosted sky lights and we Democrats are posing a long series of questions to Brent Hill, the Senator charged with carrying the Republican... Continue reading

This is the annual struggle: not taking the battle personally. For each of us when we must oppose a bill we know we may offend the sponsors. Even though each of us is doing our best to serve democracy, struggling... Continue reading

In all my seven years in the Idaho legislature, this is the most damage we have ever done. I say "we" because I'm an elected part of the body, like an errant leg or toe. I picture myself reaching for... Continue reading

I feel my breath in my lungs oddly. Closing debate about to melt into the roll call where one at a time we say "aye" or "nay." Tom Luna's final bill S1184 YES: 20 NO: 15 I have to whisper... Continue reading