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District Judge Cody Brower recently appeared on Newstalk 107.9 to discuss his re-election campaign for Idaho’s 6th Judicial District. In a wide-ranging interview with hosts Neal Larson and Julie Mason, Brower detailed his professional background, his approach to sentencing, and the unique nature of judicial elections in Idaho.

Brower, who maintains chambers in Caribou County, serves a district that covers several counties in Southeast Idaho. A veteran of the Army National Guard who deployed to Iraq in 2004, Brower transitioned to a legal career that included serving as the Oneida County Prosecuting Attorney. He was eventually appointed to the district court bench by Governor Brad Little. Brower noted that while magistrate judges face retention elections, district court judges are constitutional officers who can face direct challenges, a rarity in Idaho’s judicial system.

Addressing his judicial philosophy, Brower emphasized that his primary goal is to ensure all parties feel heard and respected, regardless of the outcome of a case. He spoke extensively on the complexities of sentencing, particularly in sensitive cases involving sex offenses. Brower explained that while he prioritizes the protection of society, judges must operate within the constraints of plea agreements and pre-sentence investigations. He noted that prosecutors often hold significant power through the charges they choose to bring or reduce, which can limit a judge’s ability to impose specific sentences or sex offender registration requirements.

Brower also highlighted his experience with both high-level felony cases and complex civil matters, including land use and employment law. He expressed strong support for specialty courts, such as drug courts, citing them as effective methods for rehabilitation. When asked about the non-partisan nature of the race, Brower asserted that a judge must remain free from political influence. He raised concerns regarding the role of partisan endorsements in judicial contests, arguing that the bench must remain a place where cases are decided solely on facts and the law rather than political affiliations.

With the election approaching, Brower encouraged voters to review his record of trial experience and constitutional oversight. More information regarding his campaign and judicial history can be found on his official website.

In a recent interview on Newstalk 107.9 with hosts Neal Larson and Julie Mason, State Representative Britt Raybould (R-District 34) outlined her legislative priorities and addressed growing discussions regarding campaign finance ahead of the May 20 primary. Raybould, who is seeking another term, emphasized that water management and state growth will be the most pressing issues for the legislature in the coming year.

Raybould highlighted the potential for water shortages in Eastern Idaho, stating that the state must engage in direct conversations about long-term infrastructure and management. She noted that Idaho’s rapid growth continues to place a strain on public services, which in turn impacts property taxes and overall affordability for residents. Regarding “culture war” legislation, Raybould advocated for a focus on issues specific to Idaho rather than national trends. She stated that while parental concerns are valid, the legislature should prioritize tangible problems occurring within the state over issues imported from other regions.

The interview also touched on Raybould’s opposition to Senate Bill 1300, which affected the leadership structure of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and Harriman Park. Raybould explained her vote against the bill, citing the removal of “merit-based” appointment language for the department’s director. She expressed concern that the change could potentially jeopardize federal grants associated with the park, noting that any shift away from the original agreements with the Harriman family could result in significant costs to the state.

Finally, the discussion turned to campaign contributions. Raybould defended her decision to donate to certain Republican challengers in other districts, explaining that her support is based on a candidate’s stance on water issues. She contrasted her $1,000 individual donations with a recent $350,000 PAC infusion by Representative Jordan Redman. Raybould questioned the influence of such large sums in a citizen legislature, characterizing the PAC spending as a coordinated effort to dictate the outcomes of multiple elections across the state.

Raybould’s opponent in the District 34 race, Larry Golden, is scheduled to appear on Newstalk 107.9 Tuesday morning to provide further perspective on the campaign.