Idaho is experiencing Florida-like growth.
According to reports in the state, Idaho was the second-fastest growing state from 2019 to 2020 and posted the second-highest growth rate since the last census.
And some people would like to make it even bigger.
The odd thing is that those people live in neighboring Oregon.
A recent poll revealed that a significant plurality of Oregonians, driven by strong support in the rural counties to Idaho’s west, favor leaving Oregon to become part of “Greater Idaho.”
Overall, the poll showed that those who oppose the border shift outnumber those who want to join Idaho by a 42-38 margin, according to The Washington Times. The opposition to the plan was strongest in the Portland area.
Outside of Portland, the results were reversed.
Those in rural areas to the east and south who favor breaking up Oregon outpolled their opponents 44-40.
The Times noted that seven Oregon counties have already approved a partnership with Idaho. Five of them did so in May, with support for the idea running at 62 percent on average.
The exit plan is advocated by a group called Citizens for Greater Idaho. The head of the group told the Times that he was encouraged by the fact on 42 percent support keeping the state intact.
On its website, Citizens for Greater Idaho spell out why the advocate for leaving Oregon. Their reasons likely are similar to those who’ve opted to vote with their feet and leave blue states in general.
First, “American values.” “Oregon will continue to violate more and more American values and American freedoms because normal rural Americans are outnumbered in Oregon. Not in Idaho,” the group notes.
The group also points out that law and order is important. “Oregon refuses to protect citizens from criminals, rioters, wildfire arsonists, illegals, and the homeless, but then infringes your right to defend your family with firearms.
They also note that Idaho boasts the eighth-smallest tax burden in the nation, while Oregon ranks 33rd. “The average Idahoan pays $1,722 less in taxes per year than the average Oregonian,” they maintain.
Becoming part of Idaho would be an economic boon, they argue. “Idaho has less regulation than any other state, leading to low unemployment and affordable housing.”
Proponents of severing Oregon maintain they would be better represented as Idahoans. By joining Idaho, they would go from a near-existent minority to the majority.
The problem for the group is breaking up is really hard to do, when talking about states.
The legislatures of both states must approve the plan, as would Congress.
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Remove Portland and Oregon becomes a Red state. Maybe just expell Portland.