Politics & Government

Bundy Formally Announces Bid For Governor And Keep Idaho Idaho

Emmett rancher Ammon Bundy announced he wants to be Idaho's governor and he has a plan for Idaho.

Bundy joins a growing list of candidates who will meet in the Republican primary.
Bundy joins a growing list of candidates who will meet in the Republican primary. (John L. Braese/Patch)

MERIDIAN, ID — Fulfilling an idea envisioned while sitting in a jail cell years ago, Ammon Bundy announced he is a candidate for Idaho governor before a crowd of supporters on Saturday at Kleiner Park in Meridian.


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Those in attendance were urged to grab a yard sign and get the word out. John L. Braese/Patch
The buildup to the announcement was carefully scripted with multiple speakers appearing before the candidate made an appearance. Diego Rodriguez, master of ceremonies for the day, opened up the rally announcing those present were "not afraid of COVID and not afraid of the government."

Rodriguez went on, telling the crowd the "lying media is here" and warning them the media present "will not tell the truth about today."

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Cliven Bundy, father of Ammon Bundy, next took the podium.

"I am proud to have a son like Ammon," the elder Bundy announced. "There is nothing wrong with America, it is the promised land."

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The father of the candidate was followed by Ammon's mother, Carol Bundy. A native of Gooding, Idaho, she professed her fondness for the state.

"I love Idaho," she said. "You here live in heaven. You all need to choose faith over fear."

Rodriguez then returned to the stage to discuss stories out there about the candidate.

"Ammon is a mortal enemy of both BLMs," Rodriguez said, referring to the Bureau of Land Management of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Rodriguez also spoke of Idaho Republican Party Chairman Tom Luna, referring to the former Idaho State Superintendent of Public Instruction as "Tom Lunatic."

Diego Rodriguez commented on the Black Lives Matter movement and Tom Luna. John L. Braese/Patch
Prior to Bundy taking the stage, organizers claimed 700 were present at the rally.

Bundy took the stage before a standing ovation, armed with a large stack of paper tablets. He announced the tablets were his daily journals, thoughts he kept while sitting in a jail cell awaiting trial on federal charges. According to Bundy, he wrote in those journals of his desire to someday run for Idaho governor.

"I am making it official, I am running running for governor," said Bundy. "Idaho is going down the wrong path and I don't want that to happen."

The candidate then announced his plan for the state, the Keep Idaho Idaho plan.

"I am going to end immoral taxation," Bundy said. "That starts with ending the property tax."

Bundy said property tax keeps Idahoans as a "renter forever." He also announced plans to end personal income taxes.

Those attending the rally were urged to partake of a "Bundy Burger." John L. Braese/Patch
Bundy also announced a plan to return Idaho land back to the state.

"The federal government currently possess 63% percent of all the land in Idaho," he said. "We lose the land, we lose out future. We need to reclaim the land that is rightfully ours."

The Keep Idaho Idaho plan also calls for personal freedom and body autonomy.

"No person has authority over your body," said Bundy. "Our current system is corrupt and I want to make Idaho the first state to provide body autonomy."

Bundy said the plan would not mandate any vaccines for those in the state. In addition, Bundy claims jobs would be added to the state as those in other states would flock to Idaho seeking medical treatment unavailable elsewhere in the United States.

Bundy also wants to make Idaho a "financial freedom state."

"There is no privacy anymore," he said. "I want to make Idaho better than Switzerland."

Bundy said he also plans to end all abortions in the state.

Rally participants showed their support for less government in daily lives. John L. Braese/Patch
During the rally, volunteers handed out small cards outlining reasons to vote for the candidate and urging people to visit his new website, VoteBundy.com to read the Keep Idaho Idaho plan.

"I have never been afraid to fight for you," said Bundy.


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Yards signs should be popping up soon supporting the Republican candidate. John L. Braese/Patch

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