In a recent interview on Newstalk 107.9, Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador and Representative Barb Ehardt joined hosts Neal Larson and Julie Mason to discuss the current election cycle and their collaborative work on high-profile state legislation. Labrador used the appearance to officially endorse Ehardt for re-election, citing her consistency and principled approach to governance in East Idaho.
Labrador emphasized the importance of the primary races, stating that he supports candidates like Ehardt and Julianne Young because they maintain their campaign promises once in office. The Attorney General noted that he respects Ehardt’s refusal to yield to pressure from special interest groups. “The reason I like especially Barb and Julianne is because I have known them as legislators. I have seen what they have done. They have kept their word to their constituents,” Labrador said.
The conversation highlighted the “Fairness in Women’s Sports” Act, which Ehardt sponsored and Labrador’s office is currently defending. Ehardt, a former Division I athlete and coach, spoke about the personal significance of the bill and her experience visiting the U.S. Supreme Court during the legal process. Labrador praised Ehardt’s courage, noting that Idaho was the first state in the nation to pass such a law, despite significant pressure and threats of boycotts from the NCAA and various corporate entities at the time of its passage.
Addressing criticisms regarding “cultural issues,” Labrador and Ehardt argued that their legislative focus on bathrooms, library materials, and sports is a defensive posture. Labrador stated that his office is committed to defending these laws aggressively, even if it requires taking cases to the U.S. Supreme Court. He also addressed recent controversies regarding the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) budget, clarifying that Ehardt had voted in favor of the Attorney General’s budget multiple times, contrary to claims from political opponents.
The interview concluded with a promotion for a campaign event for Ehardt held at Club Apple in Idaho Falls, featuring Labrador as a guest speaker. Labrador is also scheduled to attend events in Shelley and Pocatello to support candidates Julianne Young and David Worley.
