Bundy Dropping Out of Primary Consolidates Militia, Radical Extremist Support for McGeachin
Bundy’s failed campaign in debt as extremists continue to flock to Lt Gov McGeachin
BOISE (Feb. 17, 2022) – Take Back Idaho, an anti-extremist group helmed by many life-long Idaho Republicans, has issued the following statement regarding Ammon Bundy’s decision to drop out of the Republican race for Idaho governor.
From former Republican House Speaker Bruce Newcomb:
“This Republican gubernatorial primary campaign exposed Ammon Bundy as a failure. He became Republican when it was politically advantageous, he ran out of money, and now he’s quitting because he’s trailing Janice McGeachin. Though Bundy’s decision to drop out exposes the weakness of his movement, it should sound the alarm for anyone who values the rule of law in our state. Janice McGeachin has embraced the role of the extreme-right candidate in the Republican gubernatorial primary, as demonstrated by the endorsements she continues to pick up.
“Conservative Idahoans and all Republicans must condemn McGeachin’s willingness to embrace the likes of Eric Parker, Todd Engel, Vincent James Foxx, and Michelle Malkin into her campaign. Political violence, antisemitism, and white nationalism should have no place in Idaho, and we call on McGeachin to reject the support of extremists.”
ABOUT MCGEACHIN’S EXTREMIST SUPPORTERS
Who is Todd Engel?
Todd Engel was arrested and served about four years for his role in the Bundy ranch armed standoff and is a candidate for the Idaho Legislature in Boundary County, District 1B. He also participated in the armed takeover of the Malheur Wildlife Refuge in early 2016. McGeachin invited Engel to the Governor’s Ball in early 2022.
Who is Eric Parker?
Eric Parker, known as the Bundy Ranch Sniper, for pointing a rifle at law enforcement officers at the Bundy ranch standoff near Bunkerville, NV in 2014, is the founder and president of the Real 3%ers of Idaho militia group. He is running for the Legislature in Blaine County, District 26.
Who is Vincent James Foxx (“Vincent James”)?
Vincent James Foxx, who goes by Vincent James, is a key player in the white nationalist movement with a long history of racist and antisemitic rhetoric. The OC Weekly reported that James espoused a denial of the Holocaust in a comment left on a livestream where he wrote, “no residue of cyanide was found on ANY of the walls of any of the ALLEGED gas chambers.” Foxx has appeared on podcasts with neo-Nazis in the past. Foxx was also present at the January 6 insurrection and previously promoted political violence instigated by the white nationalist Rise Above Movement (RAM) in California. He endorsed McGeachin on Feb. 16 on an episode of his bigoted podcast, stating “Deep connections to her, we’re supporting her, we have connections to her.” James said the reason he isn’t supporting Ammon Bundy is, “We don’t have any connections to him, we can’t push him, we can’t influence him.” Implying that he believes he is able to influence McGeachin.
Who is Michelle Malkin?
Malkin is a right-wing commentator with links to white nationalst groups, antisemitism and Islamophobia. She endorsed Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin to be Idaho’s next governor, according to a news release from McGeachin’s campaign office. According to the Idaho Statesman, Malkin has been tied to anti-Muslim groups ACT for America and the Center for Security Policy, published a book defending World War II internment camps and racial profiling in the U.S., and recently spoke at a prominent white nationalist conference. Malkin has also supported a well-known Holocaust denier.
ABOUT TAKE BACK IDAHO
The Take Back Idaho PAC and its members and supporters are determined to take Idaho back from the grip of the Idaho Freedom Foundation, its partner organizations, and their acolytes in the GOP legislative ranks. The PAC seeks to elect responsible candidates in the 2022 and subsequent primary elections and supports individuals dedicated to educating our children, working together to solve our chronic problems, and restoring a sense of community and common purpose in Idaho. Learn more at www.takebackidaho.com
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