Political strategist and writer Gregory Graf joins the Independent Voter Podcast to break down Idaho’s semi-closed primaries, rising outside PAC money, and the growing split inside the GOP. Drawing on his reporting and analysis at Political Potatoes (https://politicalpotatoes.substack.com/) the hosts explore why open/nonpartisan primaries (and where ranked-choice fits) could change incentives - and how “aggressive civility” might lower the political temperature. 

Listen to more episodes and join the conversation at IVN.us and olasmedia.com

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Why Idaho Politics Matter More Than You Think

00:02:20 – California Transplants and the Myth of “Turning Idaho Blue”

00:04:00 – How Closed Primaries Changed Idaho Elections

00:05:45 – Campaign Finance Caps, PAC Money, and Political Machines

00:07:10 – Independents as Idaho’s Second Largest Voting Bloc

00:08:45 – Budget Battles, School Choice, and Republican Infighting

00:11:15 – Ranked Choice Voting, Open Primaries, and Party Power

00:14:55 – How Party Establishments Block Reform Nationwide

00:18:30 – Political Hypocrisy, Threats, and the Cost of Speaking Out

00:25:00 – Aggressive Civility and Lowering the Temperature in Politics