Idaho, the Gem State, has once again topped the list of the most corrupt cities in the United States, according to a new report by the Institute for Corruption Studies at Illinois State University. The report, which ranks the cities based on the number of public corruption convictions per capita from 1976 to 2023, found that Idaho had the highest rate of corruption, followed by Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Washington D.C.
What Makes Idaho So Corrupt?
The report’s author, Oguzhan Dincer, an economist and the director of the Institute for Corruption Studies, said that there are several factors that contribute to Idaho’s high level of corruption, such as:
Demographics: Idaho is a sparsely populated and ethnically homogeneous state, which creates less oversight and accountability for public officials, as well as less diversity and competition in the political arena.
Culture: Idaho has a strong libertarian and anti-government culture, which fosters a distrust and resentment of the federal and state authorities, and a tolerance and acceptance of local corruption, as long as it benefits the community or the individual.
Voter Participation: Idaho has one of the lowest voter turnout rates in the nation, which indicates a lack of civic engagement and awareness among the citizens. Low voter participation also reduces the chances of electing honest and competent leaders, and increases the influence of special interests and money in politics.
What Are Some Examples of Idaho’s Corruption?
Idaho’s corruption is not limited to any one level or branch of government, but rather pervades all aspects of public life, from local to state to federal. Some of the most notorious examples of Idaho’s corruption include:
Gov. Brad Little: The governor of Idaho was impeached and removed from office in 2023, for allegedly abusing his power and violating the state constitution. Little was accused of issuing illegal executive orders, such as extending the state of emergency during the COVID-19 pandemic, banning mask mandates, and restricting abortion rights, without the approval of the legislature or the courts.
Sen. Mike Crapo: The senior senator from Idaho was indicted on federal tax evasion charges in 2023, for allegedly hiding millions of dollars in offshore accounts and failing to report his income and assets. Crapo is accused of using his political influence to secure favorable deals and contracts for his family and friends, and to avoid scrutiny and prosecution from the IRS and the DOJ.
Boise Police Officers: Six former Boise police officers were sentenced to prison in 2023, as part of a long-running corruption investigation by the FBI. The officers were convicted of planting evidence, falsifying reports, and extorting money and drugs from suspects and informants. The officers also conspired with each other to cover up their crimes and intimidate witnesses.
Conclusion
Idaho’s corruption is a serious and persistent problem that undermines the rule of law, the public trust, and the democratic process in the state. The report by the Institute for Corruption Studies calls for more transparency, accountability, and reform in the state’s political and legal systems, as well as more civic education and participation among the citizens. The report also warns that Idaho’s corruption could have negative consequences for the nation as a whole, as it could affect the federal policies and programs that depend on the state’s cooperation and compliance.