Incumbent Julie VanOrden challenged by Democrat Karen Keith for Idaho Senate District 30
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BLACKFOOT — Incumbent state Senator Julie VanOrden, a Republican, is running for re-election against Democrat Karen Keith for the Idaho Senate seat in District 30.
The seat is for a two-year term. District 30 covers Bingham and Butte counties — including Blackfoot, Shelley, Arco and Aberdeen.
To learn more about VanOrden’s campaign, visit www.julievanordenforidaho.com.
Keith sent in candidate information that has been included with the first question. She did not provide questionnaire responses or a website.
EastIdahoNews.com sent the same eight questions to each candidate. Their responses, listed below, were required to be 250 words or less.
EastIdahoNews.com is publishing the answers in their entirety, and without any grammatical or style editing.
The general election is Nov. 5.
Candidate Questions & Responses
Tell us about yourself — include information about your family, career, education, volunteer work, and any prior experience in public office.
VanOrden: I have been married to Garth VanOrden for almost 46 years. We have 4 children, 2 daughters-in-law, 3 grand children and 1 great granddaughter. I graduated from Blackfoot High School and attended College of Southern Idaho and the vocational technical training school at Idaho State University. I worked at FMC and Bingham Memorial Hospital. I served as a volunteer on the Idaho PTA Board of Directors and as chairman on the Snake River School District Board of Trustees. In 2012 I won the seat representing Legislative District #31 (Bingham County) in the Idaho House of Representatives, I served in this capacity until 2018. I then was appointed to the Public Charter School Commission and the Idaho Potato Commission.
Keith: Karen Keith is retired from the Idaho National Laboratory with experience in leadership, fiscal accountability and service. Karen has worked continuously for the betterment of her communities through volunteer work.
Karen served as President of the American Legion Auxiliary for various terms at the Veterans Home.
She also served for several years as the PTO President for District 55 schools, while her children attended there.
Why are you seeking political office? Briefly explain your political platform.
VanOrden: As a returning legislator I was able to use my prior experience in setting budgets to connecting the funds with the policies. There are a number of reasons I would like to return to the legislature:
To work with the Department of Education on funding and policies that will increase the 3rd grade reading levels for more students.
Working to create a subsidy system that addresses real needs in real time and incentivizes self reliance.
Working to address budget items that are excessive.
What are the greatest challenges facing people and communities in your district? What is your plan to meet those challenges?
VanOrden: I believe property taxes, the cost of living(groceries, goods, rent) are real challenges facing people in District #30. I also believe that living so close to the I-15 interstate corridor has placed us in a path of illegal activities. This creates challenges to local law enforcement and brings unwanted forces into our communities.
Have you seen any mistakes made by the Idaho Legislature in recent years? How would you work to correct these errors?
VanOrden: I believe education in Idaho needs to be addressing individual students in our system. Teachers needs the tools to address needs. There is a charter school that has at least one aide in each classroom for each teacher. I would hope we could look at models that are successful and begin to replicate them. A new funding formula is a must.
What parts of the state budget could use more funding? Are there places in the budget where cuts could be made?
VanOrden: I believe our foster care system within the Department of Health and Welfare could use more funding. I don’t think we need to cut budgets just allocate the resources in different ways.
What is your position on Idaho’s Proposition 1 ballot initiative that would end closed-party primary elections and create ranked-choice voting?
VanOrden: I won and lost elections in a closed primary to I’m neutral on that subject. I also voted against Idaho adopting ranked choice voting in the 2023 session.
What is your position on Gov. Brad Little using Idaho State Police resources to bolster security at the United States southern border? How does illegal immigration impact the constituents in your district?
VanOrden: I believe the experience gained by the law enforcement individuals who went to the border will only enhance securities needed in Idaho.
The effects are on our education system, health care system and our law enforcement and courts. Our education system has had to address communication barriers. Our health care system has had to increase costs because of an increased need for providers. Our courts are full of cases (major and minor) because of a population increase. All systems in general are over burdened with addressing the needs of more people.
A battle over the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer recharge led to a temporary water curtailment for thousands of acres of farmland in 2024. How should the legislature respond to this issue?
VanOrden: I believe the legislature can address the inadequacies of our laws related to water management and due process. The constitution is clear on water rights, but it also references necessities, reasonable maximum rates for beneficial purpose, and reasonable limitations. It also states that the legislature has a responsibility to define and act upon time of distress.