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As Gun-Debates Rage Nationwide, Idaho Politicians Campaign To Prove They Won't Be Outgunned

By Heath Druzin

Published October 25, 2018 at 10:58 PM EDT

Photo Illustration: On the left are screenshots from Idaho Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Paulette Jordan's campaign ads. On the right, a screenshot (top) and photo (bottom) from Idaho Republican Gubernatorial candidate Brad Little's campaign material. Both candidates have released campaign material highlighting their support of Idahoans' Second Amendment rights leading up to the November 6 election.

There’s a lot of talk about guns in political campaigns this year, much of it focused on regulations aimed at preventing mass shootings. But in states like Idaho, where well over half the population has guns, politicians on all sides are angling to be the most firearms-friendly candidate.

Paulette Jordan, a former state representative and self-described progressive running for governor, was heavily criticized by conservative groups like the Idaho 2nd Amendment Alliance for saying AR-15s — a popular semi-automatic rifle that has been used in several mass shootings — have no place in the state.

Jordan, who is trying to become the first Democrat to win the governorship since 1990, quickly reversed course: She released an ad featuring actor Scott Glenn carrying a rifle and touted her firearm bona fides.

“Semi-automatic assault rifles are owned by family members of mine,” Jordan said during a recent interview on Boise State Public Radio. “I am a Second Amendment supporter and defender and, as a gun owner and a trained and certified [concealed carry] gun owner I will tell folks that I am here from Idaho, this is my culture.”

A national trend

In an ad for her now failed congressional campaign, Virginia candidate Karen Mallard takes a power tool she identifies as a “grinder” to an AR-15 to demonstrate her commitment to gun control.

Gun references in political ads are soaring across the country.

A study released earlier this year found that 12 percent of political spots in federal or gubernatorial elections mentioned firearms. That’s up from just 1 percent in 2012. Many political ads feature candidates promising to enact gun restrictions they believe could prevent shootings like the one at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February that left 17 people dead.

In one such ad, Virginia congressional candidate Karen Mallard saws the barrel off an AR-15 and tells viewers “gun reform” is one of her top priorities.

You won’t find ads like that in Idaho.

“Candidates are just trying to show they’re the true Idahoan and you’re not a true Idahoan unless you’re walking around with a gun, riding a horse, things like that,” said Jasper LiCalzi, chair of the department of political economy at College of Idaho.

This year, Democrats in Idaho are working hard to paint that picture.

And according to LiCalzi, Jordan helps them toward that goal: She grew up in Northern Idaho ranching family and has more gun credibility than her predecessors.