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BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho House Minority Leader John Rusche says that the communications director of the House Republican Caucus should be removed, arguing that she's using the position to spy on a Democratic representative.
The Lewiston Tribune, a newspaper in Lewiston, (http://bit.ly/1G1BaXf ) reports that Rusche says Cindy Agidius has been taking photos and posting online comments about Democratic Rep. Paulette Jordan from Plummer.
"I've spoken with (House Speaker Scott Bedke) twice about this," he said. "I'm concerned that one of my caucus members is feeling harassed. I'm also concerned the majority caucus office is being used for political purposes."
Jordan unseated Agidius in November's general election, winning roughly 500 more votes than her Republican challenger. In 2012, the two went head to head in the general election after the District 5 seat opened up. Agidius won by just a 123 votes.
Agidius says she has enough to do without worrying about what Jordan is doing, but if she sees something she considers problematic she may take a note of it so she can use it if she decides to run against Jordan in the future.
"There have been a few instances when I've seen her do things she said she wouldn't do," Agidius said. "Those are thing I may store and remember, if I choose to run again."
Agidius says she took a photo of Jordan swiveling in her chair during a speech by U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, describing the behavior as disrespectful. Agidius also posted a comment on her Facebook page criticizing Jordan for not attending a committee hearing on a concealed weapons bill.
Jordan declined to comment on Agidius' specific concerns.
"I'm here to do a job representing the people," Jordan said. "What she does on her own time is up to her, but what she does for the caucus, using taxpayer resources, is a greater concern.
House Speaker Scott Bedke says he's talked to Agidius and considers the matter closed.
"She and I have talked; I've let her know there are certain lines I don't want crossed. She has a good feel for that now," Bedke said.
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