There is an active campaign to have rural Oregon succeed from the rest of the state and be absorbed by Idaho.
Fox News reports that the proposal has virtually no chance of becoming a reality, according to Idahos top Senate Democrat.
Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow, D-Idaho, spoke with Fox News Digital and said: Im very pleased this measure has virtually no chance of advancing into reality, and It would be bad for all involved and bad for the country, and I am opposed to it at all levels.
Wintrow is referring to a resolution making its way through the Idaho legislature that would call for formal talks between Idaho and Oregon about moving the borders of the two states. If that were to occur, the boundary of Idaho would extend out and absorb many counties in the western part of Oregon.
According to Fox News, Idahos House of Representatives passed the bill last month, and now the State Senate will debate the matter. It is unknown if the State Senate will pass the bill, but that chamber is dominated by Republicans (just like the State House in Idaho).
Fox News reports that those backing this measure are seeking for Idaho to absorb 13 Oregon counties that account for 63% of its land mass but just 9% of its population. Those in favor of the idea say it would allow those western Oregon residents to maintain their traditional values and be more in line with the conservative politics that those in that part of the state tend to hold.
Idaho Rep. Judy Boyle, R, spoke with Fox News Digital and said:
Yes, I am supportive of the Greater Idaho idea, and I have lived along the Oregon border my entire life, so have many east Oregon friends. They have been quite frustrated with the liberal I-5 western Oregon corridor running their state and completely ignoring their values and needs. They have finally come down to asking the voters, county by county if they want to join Idaho. Currently, 11 counties have said YES [sic]!
Those in favor of relocating the states border lines point to polling figures indicating that a significant percentage of Idaho residents would be open to extending the Idaho borders to incorporate those Oregon counties. In Oregon, polling of voters indicates that the population seems equally divided for and against the idea, with about 20% undecided.
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