VanderSloot endorses Little for governor

IDAHO FALLS — The CEO of Melaleuca Inc. says he, his wife and his company are endorsing Republican candidate Brad Little as Idaho’s next governor.

Frank VanderSloot says it was an easy decision to make, and he believes Little is the best candidate for the job.

“We are giving our full 100 percent endorsement to Brad Little,” VanderSloot told EastIdahoNews.com Thursday. “He is certainly the most experienced in governance, we know his track record, we know him (and) he’s been a part of Idaho government for almost 20 years.”

VanderSloot invited and met with Little and Democratic candidate Paulette Jordan at the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration on the Fourth of July. They both sat at his table and spoke at the event.

“When you look at the two candidates and what their positions are about business, it’s really clear that one candidate stands heads and shoulders above the other,” VanderSloot says. “Melaleuca is interested in the business climate and being able to have a business-friendly community where we can provide jobs for the community.”

VanderSloot points to Little’s 17 years of experience in state politics. He has been Idaho’s lieutenant governor since 2009 and served in the state Senate beginning in 2001.

“He was a local rancher, he knows the business community, he knows agriculture and he knows what goes on at the site,” VanderSloot says.

While many believe Idaho would never elect a Democratic governor, VanderSloot believes changing demographics could make that a reality.

“The dynamics of our state have changed in the last two years,” he says. “We’re the fastest growing state in the nation and all of this growth is coming from liberal states. Californians (and) people from Washington, the Seattle area, are moving to Idaho and trying to escape what they created there with their votes. Liberal people are moving to Idaho and they only have to be here for one month before they can vote. And they will vote. The idea that Idaho is a conservative state and will stay a conservative state is a false concept.”

VanderSloot continues, “Here’s the bottom line: if you want to protect Idaho and preserve what we have here, you need to get out and vote. If you stay home thinking that Idaho is going to stay like Idaho, and that you do not have to be personally involved, you could be making the mistake of your life because we could have four years of a very liberal governor if you don’t get out there and make your voice heard.”

Election day is Nov. 6. Click here for voter registration information.