Why It Matters
Opponents of Idaho’s Proposition 1 have asked a Canyon County court to remove television advertisements supporting the initiative before voters decide the measure on Nov. 3.
What Happened
The Idaho Family Policy Center and leaders of the Too Extreme for Idaho PAC filed the lawsuit Monday. Proposition 1 would repeal Idaho’s abortion ban, permit abortions through viability or later in emergencies, establish rights related to reproductive healthcare and provide liability protections for healthcare providers.
The lawsuit alleges that Idahoans United for Women and Families paid the Idaho Democratic Party to broadcast advertisements supporting Proposition 1. The plaintiffs contend the arrangement allowed the ads to qualify for lower political-candidate rates and that Idaho Democrats paid less than Too Extreme for Idaho paid for opposing advertisements.
The complaint alleges the payments violated Idaho campaign finance disclosure laws. It also raises a financial-reporting issue involving advertisements paid for by the campaign of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terri Pickens, but the complaint does not mention Proposition 1 or a contribution from Idahoans United for Women and Families.
By the Numbers
- Nov. 3: Date of Idaho’s general election.
- 60 days: Period before a general election when Federal Communications Commission rules require broadcast stations to charge qualified political candidates their lowest applicable rate.
- $20,000: Minimum amount family members of an aborted fetus may sue an abortion provider for under Idaho law.
Responses
Blaine Conzatti of the Idaho Family Policy Center alleged that supporters of Proposition 1 improperly obtained cheaper television advertising.
Idaho Democratic Party spokesperson Avery Roberts called the lawsuit “frivolous” and said women are being forced to leave Idaho for lifesaving medical care while responsible politicians have not addressed the issue.
Jessica Robinson argued that the party’s advertisements complied with the law. Robinson said Pickens has publicly supported Proposition 1 and that political parties may spend unlimited amounts of their own funds on communications coordinated with Idaho Democratic candidates.
What’s Next
The Idaho Secretary of State’s Office said the advertisements did not violate campaign finance laws and that it was not investigating them because no complaint had been received. Edward Clark said the Idaho Family Policy Center had not filed a complaint with the FCC.
About the Author
