Boise,Idaho—Democratic governor candidate Terri Pickens said she is appalled by how Idaho’s governor reacted to former President Donald Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. In a Tweet, Gov. Brad Little declared full support for Trump’s presidential bid.

“Our governor is saying the rule of law doesn’t matter anymore,” Pickens said. “For years, Little and other Republicans have closed their eyes and covered their ears to all the shady, nasty, and cruel behavior surrounding Mr. Trump. But they always said he was innocent until proven guilty. They don’t have that excuse anymore.”

Pickens is an Idaho lawyer, Little is the leader of the executive branch of Idaho’s government. Little has spent his adult life as a career politician taking roles in and around the Capitol. Pickens, who owns a law firm, didn’t enter politics until 2022. She had been a Republican, and was even the target of political recruiting efforts by Idaho’s top elected Republicans. However, she left the party after its relentless attacks on the rights of Idaho’s LGBTQ citizens and basic women’s healthcare. She fights hard to reverse the loss of abortion rights after repeal of Roe v. Wade.

“Maybe Mr. Little has joined the parade of jesters trying out for the role of Mr. Trump’s vice presidential running mate. Brad can’t be running for governor.  You simply can’t claim that jury convictions do not matter and be trusted as Idaho’s top executive officer in charge of implementing those same laws and defending Idaho’s Constitution.”

Pickens added:

“It would have been courageous for Little to condemn Trump. It would have been reasonable to simply stay silent. By endorsing a felon for President, Mr. Little chose to betray his own oaths to defend the rule of law. To be clear, he made the cowardly choice to fend off radical, mean, anti-democratic members of his party.”

Idaho needs leaders who respect the rule of law. That is why Terri Pickens is the best choice to be Idaho’s next governor.