Libertarian group’s video against coronavirus measures features Idaho lieutenant governor

A video released by Libertarian group Idaho Freedom Foundation against emergency orders issued to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus pandemic features Idaho Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin (R). 

The video, released on Oct. 27, features several members of the Idaho Legislature who are against coronavirus measures instituted by state and local governments, maintaining that they infringe upon the freedoms of citizens. 

“The fact that a pandemic may or may not be occurring changes nothing about the meaning or intent of the state constitution and the preservation of our inalienable rights,” Idaho Rep.-elect Karey Hanks (R) says in the video. 

McGeachin appears in the video sitting in a large vehicle adorned with an American flag and smiles as she places a handgun on top of the Bible.

“We recognize that all of us are by nature free and equal and have certain inalienable rights,” she says in the video. “Among which are enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property and pursuing happiness and securing safety.”

The video targets Idaho Gov. Brad Little (R), who implemented restrictions in the state to combat the coronavirus.

Little received backlash in April when he extended stay-at-home orders in the state.

“I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do for the people of Idaho,” Little said at the time. “I am incredibly sympathetic [to local businesses]. I can’t open up some of those businesses that have the opportunity for community spread until we get further down the road.”

On Monday, Little limited gatherings of 50 or more people as coronavirus cases have been on the rise in the area, according to a New York Times coronavirus tracker.  

McGeachin, 57, responded to the announcement on her Facebook page. 

“I am disappointed that the governor believes our state needs to impose more restrictions on our already struggling businesses and limit the choice of individuals regarding their gatherings. Respecting individual liberty and property rights must remain the foundation of all policy decisions in our state,” she wrote.

McGeachin served for 10 years in the Idaho Legislature and in 2018 was the first woman elected lieutenant governor.

In Idaho, top state officials do not run on the same ticket. Little and McGeachin campaigned separately and have clashed on how to handle the pandemic since early spring, The Washington Post reported.