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BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho Republicans leaders will soon be asked to approve new party resolutions, which include proposals aimed at radically changing the structure of committees inside the Idaho Statehouse and ensuring that all bills receive a legislative hearing.
The Idaho Republican Party will vote on the proposed resolutions during its winter meeting which will take place over Friday and Saturday.
The Idaho Legislature — currently dominated by Republicans — isn't required to adopt any of the proposals submitted. However, the resolutions are the latest glimpse of lingering splinters inside the state's supermajority political party both in and out of the Statehouse. Conflicts between the party's establishment favorites and tea party leaning members have sprung up over the years as both sides have vied for control of the state's GOP agenda.
"Representatives who do not line up with leadership cannot properly represent their constituents as they do not have an equal voice," states one of the platform amendments.
According to a proposed resolution submitted from a north Idaho member, the House Speaker would be asked to assign House committee seats using a lottery system rather than by appointment, as outlined in legislative rules. The resolution does not address committee selections for the Idaho Senate.
Meanwhile, a separate resolution requests that all bills receive a legislative hearing instead of allowing committee chairmen to decide which pieces of legislation move forward.
Other proposals before the party this weekend:
— A request that the Legislature pass legislation stating that Idaho will not resettle anymore refugees.
— A demand to cut off taxpayer funds to Planned Parenthood of America.
— A statement describing global warming concerns as a sham.
Idaho GOP chairman Steve Yates declined to comment on the resolutions, saying that he didn't want to get ahead of the party approval process.
"The winter meeting is a time to get everything in order before we have our primary elections and state convention," Yates said. "That's the context as we start to get a range of resolutions."
In total, 13 resolutions have been submitted. Yet members have the option of considering late submissions if the proposal receives a two-thirds vote of approval from the party's resolution committee.
This includes possibly considering a late resolution approved by Kootenai County Republicans on Tuesday urging the state GOP Chairman Steve Yates and Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter to suspend any activities attempting to influence elections at the hyper-local precinct level.
The proposal is the latest reaction to Otter's recently formed political-action committee designed to help support candidates running for state and precinct seats. Several Republican groups across the state have decried the newly formed PAC, saying it will be used to target non-Otter supporters.
"Efforts by the governor to influence the people's selection of their precinct committeemen are corrosive to party unity, outside the sworn duties of the governor, and contrary to the ideals of the Republican Party," the resolution states.
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