The Biggest Political Potatoes Drops of 2024
Now that 2024 has finally ended, it's time to look back at the most hard-hitting, truth-exposing, and downright spicy articles Political Potatoes had to offer. This year, we left no potato unturned, and plenty of far-right operatives found themselves cooking under the sunlight. Here are the top stories that made waves, raised eyebrows, and, most importantly, helped Idaho voters identify the real dirty rotten scoundrels.
Idaho GOP's Christian Nationalism Problem
Idaho’s GOP isn't just flirting with Christian Nationalism—it’s diving headfirst into the pool. This deep dive into Doug Wilson's and Christchurch's growing influence in the Idaho Republican Party revealed connections many LDS church members find offensive. From policy proposals that mirror theocratic ideals to public endorsements of Christian Nationalist pastors, we showed how the Idaho GOP is transforming into something unrecognizable to true conservatives.
The Idaho GOP's ties to Wilson's network are more extensive than anyone realized, and his movement influences key legislation.
How The IFF Machine Worked Hard To Elect A Democrat
IFF and their cronies love to claim they’re about preserving conservative values, but their playbook is straight out of the Democrat strategy guide. This piece uncovered how IFF-backed independent candidates like Kala Tate are deliberately sabotaging Republican races by siphoning votes, ensuring Democrats come out on top.
IFF's support for independent candidates isn’t about principle—it’s a calculated game to weaken Republican incumbents who disagree with IFF's position. Now, the woke right is complaining about the Democrats they helped elect.
The Real Gem State Heist
Forget Ocean’s Eleven – Idaho's political heist is happening in broad daylight. This article revealed how out-of-state money and shady PACs are funneling cash into the state to buy elections, silence local voices, and push extremist agendas.
The heist isn’t just theoretical – it’s backed by data showing millions flowing in from organizations with no ties to Idaho voters.
Senator Glenneda Zuiderveld: The Queen of Conspiracies
From vaccine conspiracies to claims about "globalist plots," Senator Zuiderveld's legislative career has been more about parroting internet nonsense than governing. This article unpacked her most outrageous claims and the real-world consequences of having conspiracy theorists in the statehouse. And it’s not just Zuiderveld; her IFF “Freedom Bro” ally landed himself a stalking protection order for using some of the nastiest tactics in Idaho political history.
Zuiderveld’s social media history revealed ties to the woke right and ideologies that directly inform her legislative priorities. Her BFF Maria Nate is going down in flames as the woke right has publicly turned on her, and she’ll likely take Zuiderveld down with her.
Dave Reilly and the Idaho Freedom Foundation's Radical Embrace
When you associate with white nationalists, it eventually catches up with you. This article exposed IFF’s embrace of Dave Reilly, an openly racist figure with a documented hatred of Jews, Mormons, and anyone who doesn’t fit his straight white Christian nationalist mold. The piece highlighted how IFF cozies up to extremists while pretending to represent mainstream conservative values.
IFF tolerates Reilly’s views and elevates his voice within its network, showing how far it has drifted from traditional conservatism and rational thinking.
Stephan Gleason and Money Metals' Power Grab
North Carolina resident Stephan Gleason isn’t just selling gold – he’s buying influence. This investigation followed the money trail behind Gleason’s lobbying efforts to control Idaho’s financial policies, raising questions about possible conflicts of interest and influence.
It appeared that the bought and paid-for IFF political machine practically ghostwrote Gleason’s self-serving bill to benefit his bottom line at the expense of Idaho taxpayers.
The Definitive Guide to Idaho's Extremism
Stop Idaho RINOs’ John Heida moved to Idaho five minutes ago from California and masked his extremism as just being a good ol’ Christian Nationalist. He balked at being exposed in this comprehensive guide to the underbelly of Idaho politics. The guide broke down the most influential extremist groups operating in the state, from IFF to Ammon Bundy and beyond.
The interconnected web of extremists isn’t just limited to Idaho – they’re part of a national movement with dangerous plans for reshaping the state.
Heather Lauer and the People United for Privacy Sham
Heather Lauer likes to talk about privacy. However, this article uncovered how her organization, People United for Privacy, is wildly hypocritical and employs people who use the same abusive tactics it claims to be fighting. Lauer isn’t just some behind-the-scenes observer; she is a huge part of the extremism problem in Idaho and helps direct the IFF political machine.
The "privacy" Lauer fights for is a smokescreen to protect the identities of wealthy donors pushing radical agendas. Don’t be surprised if the Speaker of the House might hold a grudge for her team’s attempt to replace him with their loyal candidate with zero experience.
Political Potatoes Will Keep The Fight Going in 2025
Political Potatoes isn't slowing down — in fact, it’s getting even more support each day. My phone rings daily from people around the state who love this work. Here’s a preview of what I’ll be working on this new year:
Legislative Coverage: Keeping you informed about the most important bills and policies moving through the Idaho Legislature.
Exposing the Woke Right: From IFF to Young Americans for Liberty, IFPC, and MVLA, we’ll continue unmasking the wolves in conservative clothing.
Celebrating the Good Guys: When legislators stand up to the nonsense, we’ll highlight their victories and ensure Idahoans know who’s actually working for them.
New Engagement Tools: I’m actively working on ways to be better informed on what’s happening at the statehouse and how you can engage directly with your legislator on specific bills. Keep an eye on updates to IdahoVoters.com!
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If you love what we do, consider upgrading to a paid subscription for $6/month or $60/year. Your support keeps Political Potatoes running, helps us dig deeper, and allows us to keep exposing those trying to ruin Idaho. Every bit helps, and I truly appreciate it with a family to feed and constant threats for standing up for the truth.
Let's keep Idaho free from extremists – one hot political potato drop at a time.
About the Author
Gregory Graf is the creator of Political Potatoes and a lifelong conservative Republican whose articles often criticize the hypocrisy committed by far-right grifters who’ve taken control of the GOP. Graf is the CEO of Snake River Strategies, a communications and political consulting firm based in Eagle, Idaho. Graf and his family moved to Idaho Falls in 2013 from Utah and currently reside in Star.
Disclaimer
The following is intended to convey an opinion on newsworthy events of public concern regarding public figures and/or public officials in the exercise of their official duties. No implications or inferences—beyond those explicitly stated in the preceding— are intended to be conveyed or endorsed by the Author. Wherever available, hyperlinks have been provided to allow readers to directly access any underlying assertions of fact upon which this opinion is based.
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