STATEMENT: The KCRCC Condemns Political Violence

Last week, while a record number of citizens in Kootenai County took to their polling places to solve their political differences, a former professor at North Idaho College chose to act out violently based on his political beliefs, and misinformation peddled by the media, instead of taking his concerns to the ballot box. His target was Todd Banducci; a Republican Precinct committeeman, and an elected official serving on the board of trustees for North Idaho college. 

Anti-conservative hatred has been stoked by media outlets and activist groups. For example, the Coeur d’Alene Press has engaged in dehumanizing rhetoric calling the trustees “extremist… destructive… demented woodsmen,” who are responsible for “logic-defying, vomit-inducing malpractice” and “institutional homicide.” The Press has said “the incompetent college trustees backed by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee” are destroying the college and there isn’t a “darned thing you can do now to prevent it.” The press has run irresponsible editorials threatening violence, saying “they’re in for a hell of a scrap,” and likened Trustee Banducci to a “splinter” and that Trustee Mckenzie would be “hunted.” The Press has likened the trustees to circus performers, and promoted content that calls these trustees “assholes” “bastards,” “miscreants,” ”crooks.” This is not responsible journalism, and contributed to the outbreak of violence that occurred last week.

The Kootenai County Democrats hosted an event called, “Hijacking Democracy,” where Democrat activists pushed the audience to “look at some other hardcore measures” that could be taken to combat elected conservatives,” and encouraged activists to “resort to tactics” that would “marginalize those in this legislature and across the state” that don’t agree with the Democrat’s agenda. The extremist moderator of the event, Dr. David Adler, told attendees “We are not going to abide by the laws… What are their livelihoods? Where do they work? Do they own businesses?... Where do they live?”

Violent rhetoric has also been peddled on social media accounts. For example a local real estate agent, posted Banducci’s home address during a particularly contentious board meeting. Another example of this escalation of rhetoric was found when one user who is followed by the “Save NIC” page on Twitter, encouraged the use of “molotov cocktails” to “get the attention” of Idaho Legislators.

Trustee Banducci’s assailant, motivated by this extremist hatred of conservative Republicans, entered Todd’s workplace, shouting obscenities, threatening him, and finally assaulting him with a bucket filled with cleaning chemicals. The attack “terrorized and traumatized” Todd’s co-workers, and has led to an escalation of violent rhetoric in our community.

The Kootenai County Republican Central Committee condemns this, and all acts of political violence and hate in the strongest terms, along with the violent, extremist, hate-filled, dehumanizing rhetoric that encouraged this man’s actions. 

Political violence undermines the very essence of our republican form of government, which is built upon the peaceful exchange of ideas, the right to express differing viewpoints, and the ability to resolve political differences through lawful means. We firmly reject any attempts to intimidate, harm, or silence individuals based on their political affiliations or beliefs.

We recognize that robust debate and the free expression of ideas are vital for a healthy community and a functional republic. We call upon all individuals, regardless of political affiliation, to reject and denounce this act of violence, harassment, and hatred towards Trustee Banducci.

Furthermore, we urge the Coeur d’Alene Press to exercise responsible journalism and promote factual reporting, and fair representation of our community’s predominantly conservative perspective. It is imperative that we all work together to counter the spread of violence, extremism, political hatred, and the purposeful dissemination of misinformation that has spread animosity and discord within our community like a cancer.

We strive to create a political climate where individuals can express their views without fear of retribution and where respect for one another is paramount.

We extend our support and stand in solidarity with Trustee Banducci, his family, all those who have been subjected to political violence and hate.