BOISE, Idaho — As the 2024 election approaches, U.S. officials within their respective parties are placing their endorsements for who they want to represent their party.
Idaho Senators Mike Crapo(R), James Risch(R) and Congressman Mike Simpson endorsed former president Donald Trump to serve as the Republican nominee for the 2024 presidential election.
Crapo's full statement is below:
"Today I add my voice to the growing number of people standing behind Donald Trump because we know he will put America and Americans first. Americans want a strong country--one that receives respect abroad and helps maintain peace and order throughout the world; one with safe communities, where our children can grow into great citizens who have access to reliable, good-paying jobs; one with secure borders where the rule of law is respected; one that provides opportunities for all to reach for the American dream. We need to regain security of our borders and establish safe, legal immigration; bring back pride in our country's military strength; and return to a smaller federal government as set out in the Constitution. It is time for a change from the chaos, difficulties and unrest we have experienced during the Biden Administration.
"During the Trump Administration, we had one of the strongest economies in generations: lowest unemployment rates in 50 years, growing wages with record tax receipts, millions of new jobs, and median income at an all-time high. President Trump grew our stagnant economy, restored our military strength, dramatically reduced federal regulations and strengthened our borders. I stand with Donald Trump and pledge to help him get back to our country's core values and aspirations."
However, in 2016, Crapo posted on X, formally known as Twitter and said he could no longer endorse Trump.
KTVB reached out to Risch over email.
Senator Risch's full statement is below:
“I worked closely and almost daily with President Trump during his four year presidency in the areas of small business, natural resources, energy, and especially in national security. I was chairman of the foreign relations committee during half of his presidency and I watched firsthand the United States rightfully take its place at the top as the leader of the world in foreign relations and national security; I watched as a robust economy flourished and yet inflation was kept under control; I watched as the United States became totally self sufficient in energy production and I watched as President Trump fought tooth and nail to keep our border secure and reduce illegal immigration to virtually zero.
“Since day one of the Biden Administration, they have knowingly, willingly, and intentionally reversed everything President Trump did. The result has been catastrophic and heartbreaking. I deal daily with foreign governments, friendly and some not-so-much—our reputation as a reliable partner on security matters has diminished greatly, our cost of energy is overwhelming, inflation has driven every American family backwards, and daily over 10,000 illegal immigrants cross into the United States to tap into a system which is already unsustainable. How I long for the America of three years ago.
“I realize President Trump greatly aggravates the left and the national media. I believe that is a small price to pay for righting this ship of state which is so greatly listing. I hope Republicans will join me in nominating President Trump.”
Congressman Simpson Sent KTVB in an email he would be enforcing the former president.
Simpson's email is below:
As KTVB previously reported, the current situation in Idaho allows for political parties to create their own system to nominate a presidential candidate. The Idaho GOP announced, following their convention in June 2023, that they are moving to a "firehouse caucus," which creates caucuses all around the state, on March 2, 2024.
The 2024 Republican National Convention hosted in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 15-18 will decide who will represent them as their presidential nominee.
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