Three Vacancies, Three Processes. By Brian Almon (08/01/25)

Idaho Governor Brad Little has limited discretion when vacancies occur, raising concerns about the processes involved.

Examples:

• Holland & Hart lawyer Anne Henderson Haws was appointed to fill a legislative vacancy in District 16 from a list provided by the Democratic Central Committee (the law firm is still trying to financially ruin former gubernatorial candidate Ammon Bundy on behalf of St. Luke's Hospital). Idaho State Senator Todd Achilles resigned in order to start a Federal campaign for Senate.

• Despite a concerning record as Community Library Network trustee, Regina McCrea, was selected as a judge in North Idaho through the Idaho Judicial Council, which is an insider-dominated body lacking public accountability.

• Juliet Charron was named to lead the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare, a move entirely at the governor's discretion, following Alex Adams’ nomination to a federal post. Ms. Charron has important shoes to fill.

The article argues for systemic reforms to increase transparency and public control over such appointments.