Idaho governor repeals executive order from political rival

BOISE, Idaho (AP) – The governor of Idaho issued an executive order on Wednesday repealing the decree of his political rival from the previous day regarding COVID-19 vaccine passports and mandatory testing.

Republican Gov. Brad Little issued the order while still in Texas, a move that challenges the state’s long-standing practice of appointing the acting lieutenant governor when the governor is out of office. the state.

Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin, a far-right Republican running for Little’s post, issued her order on Tuesday and also sought to activate the Idaho National Guard and send troops to the US border. -mexican.

Little is in Texas meeting with nine other Republican governors over concerns about how President Joe Biden is handling border issues. In Idaho, the governor and the lieutenant governor do not run on the same ticket. Little was expected on Wednesday night.

Little’s executive order appears to lay the groundwork for a legal challenge to determine who is responsible when the governor leaves the state.

Little’s order states that he did not authorize McGeachin to act, and he cites Idaho law.

“My temporary presence in Texas on official business also does not affect my ability to represent the people of Idaho, which requires the intervention of another executive to ensure the continuity of state government,” indicates the decree.

The ordinance also notes that Little had previously, by executive order, prohibited state entities from requiring passports for vaccines.

Little’s order also says McGeachin’s order banning COVID-19 testing would hurt the state’s ability to curb the spread of the disease.

Idaho is currently under crisis care standards due to unvaccinated COVID-19 patients filling hospitals. Nearly 3,000 people have died from the disease in the state.

Little’s office declined to comment on his decree.

McGeachin’s office did not respond to a call from The Associated Press.

The attorney general’s office, which appears to have to defend the state’s top official in the dispute, declined to comment.