Idaho’s Lt. Gov Tries To Deploy National Guard To Border Without Authorization, Gov Says

Idaho Gov. Brad Little on Tuesday accused fellow Republican Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin of overstepping her authority by ordering the state National Guard to the US-Mexico border while he was in Texas visiting the border.

McGeachin, who is running for governor next year, also attempted to broaden Little’s executive order banning so-called vaccine passports.

“Before I even left the state, the Lt. Governor unabashedly requested information from the Adjutant General to deploy our National Guard to the border, the same place I am visiting today to work with my fellow Republican governors on solutions to the crisis,” Little said in a statement posted on Twitter.

Little traveled to Texas to meet with nine other governors to discuss border security and take a boat tour of the Rio Grande River.

Idaho’s Constitution says that in the event that the governor leaves the state, the lieutenant governor takes control of “the powers, duties and emoluments” of the governorship until the governor returns.

Also on Tuesday, McGeachin tweeted that she “fixed” Little’s executive order banning vaccine passports to include banning schools, colleges, and universities from requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccinations or a negative Covid-19 test.

“I will continue to fight for your individual Liberty!,” the lieutenant governor said.

Eight minutes later, Little tweeted, “I will be rescinding and reversing any actions taken by the Lt. Governor when I return.”

I will be rescinding and reversing any actions taken by the Lt. Governor when I return. pic.twitter.com/iBuQqX1R5i

— Brad Little (@GovernorLittle) October 5, 2021