List of Idaho political scandals

This article provides a list of political scandals which occurred in the U.S. state of Idaho. It is organized in reverse chronological order from most recent to oldest.

Politician is defined as "a person who is professionally involved in politics", and includes not only those elected to office, their staffs and appointees, but also those who routinely work in politics such as pollsters. Major officials of political parties and their staffs, as well as those elected by their party to be candidates are also included. Local politicians, mayors, sheriffs, and county officials should not be included.

Scandal is defined as "loss of, or damage to, reputation caused by actual or apparent violation of morality or propriety". Breaking the law is always considered a scandal. The finding of a public court is the sole method used to determine a violation of law, but it is not the sole method of determining a scandal.

Please note that all people are considered innocent until proven guilty. Allegations of misconduct do not imply guilt nor do admissions of guilt in the absence of a conviction. Investigations that end without a determination do not imply innocence.

Breaches of ethics, unproven crimes or cover-ups may or may not result in inclusion depending on the amount of publicity generated, and the seriousness of the crime, if any. Notoriety and notability are a major determinant of a scandal. Politicians who resign, quit, flee, or commit suicide while being investigated or threatened with investigation may also be included.

Different scandals on different dates may result in multiple listings.

The list does not include crimes that occur outside the politician's tenure (such as before or after his term in office) unless they specifically stem from acts made while in office, such as bribery, and discovered later.

Given the political nature of legislatures where the leading party has determining power, politicians who are Rebuked, Denounced, Censured, Admonished, Condemned, Suspended, Reprimanded, Found in Contempt, Found to have Acted Improperly, or of using Poor Judgment are not included unless the scandal is exceptional or leads to further action such as expulsion, conviction or resignation. Executive pardons may or may not be mentioned, but do not erase the scandal. The verdict and legal proceedings are not affected by pardons, but may affect the sentence.

State of Idaho

• Aaron von Ehlinger (R) State Representative from the 6th District, was accused of "unconsented sexual contact" with multiple female legislative volunteers, including a 19 year old staffer. An Ethics Investigation was unanimously approved and Arron von Ehlinger resigned. At trial he was found guilty of rape. (2021}

• John Green (Idaho politician) (R) State Representative from District 2, was elected even though he was being tried in Texas on conspiracy in a tax-evasion case. After election in Idaho, he was convicted in Texas. As a convicted felon, he is ineligible to hold a seat in Idaho, where he was immediately expelled. (2002)

• Brandon Hixon (R) State Representative from Caldwell in District 10, was accused of sexual abuse. He resigned his seat and killed himself. (2018)

• Blake Fischer (R) Commissioner of Fish and Game from Meridian, was hunting in Africa when he sent home photographs of himself killing a complete family of baboons including babies. Though not illegal, Republican Governor Butch Otter stated Fischer had shown poor judgment and asked for Fischer’s resignation. (2018)

• Mark Patterson (Idaho politician) (R) State Representative of District 15-B, was found to have twice lied on his concealed carry gun permit for not revealing a plea of guilty to a charge of assault to commit rape with forcible intent in 1974. At the urging of other Republicans, he resigned his seat. (2014)

• John McGee (politician) (R) State Senator from District 10, was accused of making graphic sexual overtures to his female aide. At trial the married senator was found guilty of disturbing the peace and sentenced to 44 days in jail and 44 days of community service. He also resigned. (2012)

• John McGee (politician) (R) State Senator, was arrested for drunk driving and auto theft after driving away with someone else's truck. He was found guilty and sentenced to five days in jail, 175 days in jail suspended, community service and fined. He resigned. (2011)

• Jack Nobel (R) State Senator from Kuna in Ada County, was accused of trying to pass legislation that would have benefited his own business. The Idaho Ethics Committee voted to censure him, but Republican colleagues urged he be removed from the senate. Nobel resigned before impeachment. (2005)

See also

• Lists of political scandals in the United States by state or territory
• List of federal political scandals in the United States
• List of American state and local politicians convicted of crimes

References

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