Another Oregon county considers joining Idaho.

Greater Idaho Movement Gains Support from Eastern Oregon Counties

A dozen counties in eastern Oregon have thrown their support behind a proposed merger with neighboring Idaho, bringing the idea of Greater Idaho closer to reality. The recent ballot measure in Wallowa County was won by a razor-thin 21-vote margin, with 50.31% of ballots cast in favor of the proposal.

Eastern Oregonians Ready for a Long-Term Solution

The Greater Idaho movement spokesman, Matt McCaw, said, “Last night’s vote in Wallowa County continues to prove that eastern Oregonians are ready for a long-term solution that actually solves the urban/rural divide in Oregon.” The current legislative session has been as divisive and partisan as ever, despite promises of bipartisanship and hearing out eastern Oregonian’s concerns.

Heavy Spending on Ad Campaign by Portland Democrats

Greater Idaho said the ballot measure passed despite heavy spending on an ad campaign by Portland Democrats to undermine the movement as an extreme right-wing effort. The ads claimed that far-right individuals and groups support the movement, but had no evidence that the movement supports those individuals or groups. The ads implied that those far-right groups are the people behind the movement, but Greater Idaho leadership says they’ve never been contacted by those individuals or groups.

Merging Conservative East Oregon Counties with Idaho Would Benefit Oregon’s State Budget

According to Greater Idaho, merging the conservative east Oregon counties with Idaho would benefit Oregon’s state budget and end political gridlock. Wallowa County’s vote on May 16 brings the total number of Oregon’s 36 counties supporting Greater Idaho to around 30 percent.

Advocating for Eastern Oregonians

The Greater Idaho movement will continue to advocate for eastern Oregonians by supporting county votes and calling upon the Oregon Senate and House leadership to hold hearings where they can address the sources and potential solutions of the discontent in eastern Oregon. If both state legislatures approve the merger, Oregon will lose about 400,000 residents, but the move is seen as a win-win for both states.

• Turnout at the election was 55%, more than twice the statewide average.
• Since the movement began winning elections six election cycles ago, it had averaged 62% in favor and 38% opposed.
• Independent economists proved that Idaho’s governance would be good for eastern Oregon.

Joining Idaho would be financially beneficial for eastern Oregon, and the Greater Idaho movement is gaining momentum. The merger would solve the urban/rural divide in Oregon and benefit both states.

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