BOISE, Idaho — Boise State University released its ninth annual Public Policy Survey outlining the political leanings and feelings of Idahoans to guide lawmakers though the 2024 Legislative Session.
For the first time in the survey's history, more respondents believe the state of Idaho is heading in a and direction when compared to those in favor of the current trajectory. The former comes at 42.7% while the latter is a clip behind at 40.4%. The rest found comfort in no strong opinion.
"And that's a number that's coming out as the national economy by most measures is rebounding pretty nicely post COVID. Idaho's economy is doing well, there's a ton of growth," BSU Political Science Professor Dr. Charles Hunt said. "On the other hand, I try not to blame voters too much for how they're feeling about certain situations. Our politics are pretty toxic right now."
People's political identity tends to steer their faith in the economy, according to Hunt. Regardless of what the numbers suggest, people belonging to a party that's not in control of the White House are always more skeptical of the nation’s current economic strength.
"You see this every presidential election where the parties switch. When Donald Trump was first elected in 2016, the month before the election, Democrats were feeling pretty good about the economy and Republicans were thinking it was going to hell in a handbasket. As soon as Trump gets elected, Republicans are suddenly really optimistic about the economy," Dr. Hunt said. "And this is before Trump has even taken office, right?"
The survey suggests Idahoans want the legislature to prioritize education, jobs and the economy, and housing. The survey in its entirety can be seen here.
"Hot button issues, these kind of wedge issues, they come and go they change, right. But I think over time you see people focus more on a lot of these kitchen table issues," Hunt said.
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