BOISE, Idaho — A new Idaho Political Action Committee (PAC) made a splash this weekend after sending text messages to registered voters and hanging up flyers on doors to target Republican lawmakers who are not conservative enough for the PAC's liking.
Documents from the Secretary of State's Office show the PAC - Make Liberty Win (MLW) - is closely tied with Young Americans for Liberty (YAFL). YAFL is one of the biggest spenders in Idaho elections over the past few years.
"I can honestly say, all my colleagues have never seen anything like the last two election cycles," Senate Pro Tempore Chuck Winder (R-Boise) said. "You know, it's unbelievable."
Sen. Winder expects the PAC to spend $500,000 to push their preferred candidates this election cycle. None of the PAC donors - including Texas-based YAFL - are registered with an Idaho address.
Sen. Winder was on the losing end of a MLW text message this weekend naming him the "Swamp King" among other allegations of using his leadership position to favor Democrats and RINOs (republican in name only).
"They're counting on trying to deceive voters, particularly the new voters that have come here for conservative reasons," Sen. Winder said. "Basically, lying about members of the Idaho Senate and what we stand for and what we voted for."
Winder also fell victim to robocalls the same weekend manipulating a 2023 floor debate to appear as if he supports amnesty. Winder was explaining the opposite sentiment in full context. It is unclear if this robocall is connected to MLW; however, the timing leads Winder and the Republican Caucus to suspect their involvement.
MLW distributed door hangers that same weekend targeting Sen. Treg Bernt (R-Meridian) and Rep. James Petzke (R-Meridian). One side criticized their voting records and labeled them "anti-gun, pro illegals."
The other side of the flyer named violent criminals in the area.
MLW donors are based in multiple states under individual names and business addresses; one of them is Columbia Fondue in South Carolina. KTVB confirmed South Carolina State Rep. John Gregory "Jay" Kilmartin (R-Columbia) is the owner of that business.
Rep. Kilmartin is a member of the South Carolina Freedom Caucus.
"I had even forgotten I gave [money] to them," Rep. Kilmartin told KTVB in a phone call. "I have zero interest in Idaho politics. I don't think when you donate you can say, 'I want it to go to this candidate or this state.'"
While Rep. Kilmartin's donations are used in part to hurt Sen. Winder's campaign, the two had never spoken or even met. Neither knew each other’s name.
"Well, if he's fighting the Freedom Caucus, I believe it's happening," Rep Kilmartin said. "I call it a country club Republican."
Rep. Kilmartin is alongside 16 other donors to the PAC.
The primary election is set for May 21.
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