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Open Primaries and Ranked Choice Voting: A Conversation with WA’s Secretary of State
Moving our election systems to a clean open primary like Washington’s Top Two, is a debate worth having.

Jason Mercier
Sep 15, 20234 min read


Labor Day should be about workers, not unions
President Joe Biden's 2023 Labor Day proclamation is heavy on praise for unions. But as we mark this end-of-summer holiday, the attention...

Chris Cargill
Sep 3, 20232 min read


Idaho government transparency workshops scheduled
We’d like to see a change to legislative rules that would require at least a 72-hour waiting period before action or hearings on bills.

Jason Mercier
Aug 23, 20232 min read


Lawmaking in Idaho – How the Gem State’s Legislative Process Works
How do the legislatures in the Mountain States work? Here is the response we received from the Idaho Legislative Services Office (LSO).

Jason Mercier
Aug 16, 20238 min read


A new commitment centers conservatism in freedom & free markets
These principles affirm our commitment to free enterprise, free trade, free speech, strong families, balanced budgets, and the rule of law.

Chris Cargill
Aug 10, 20239 min read


An overview of the legislative process in Washington state
How do the legislatures in the Mountain States work? To answer this question, we checked with legislative officials in each state.

Jason Mercier
Aug 8, 20234 min read


Understanding the Wyoming legislative process
How does the Wyoming Legislature work? Here is the response we received from the Wyoming Legislative Service Office (LSO).

Jason Mercier
Jul 25, 20236 min read


Definitions for MSPC frequently used terms
To help provide context for our recommendations and analysis, here is a description of what these terms mean.

Jason Mercier
Jul 17, 20233 min read


Is it possible to "disagree passionately without destroying"?
The Governors of Utah and Colorado are very different. One is a Republican and member of the LDS Church, the other is a Jewish Democrat...

Chris Cargill
Jul 16, 20231 min read


Power to the people, via the legislative branch
There’s a reason it comes first. Article One, Section One of the U.S. Constitution says, “all legislative powers shall be vested in a...

Chris Cargill
Jul 11, 20232 min read


The Supreme Court case that could hold Congress more accountable
Chevron has tipped the scales in the government’s favor, causing an imbalance in the delicate powers of our American governmental system.

Olivia Johnston
Jun 30, 20233 min read


A declaration for self-governance heard around the world
Our republic is worth keeping but its future depends on all of us working together to protect it.

Jason Mercier
Jun 28, 20233 min read


State Attorneys General remind the federal government about importance of federalism
The proposed changes to the federal rule-making process need a rewrite to embrace the constitutional promise of federalism.

Jason Mercier
Jun 22, 20233 min read


Checklist for analyzing policy
We need to leave the yelling for the sporting events and instead focus our public policy debates in a constructive and thoughtful way.

Jason Mercier
Jun 12, 20232 min read


The "12th circuit" - lawmakers push new federal appeals court
The newest proposal to add a 12th Circuit would create two new appellate court judgeships for the Ninth Circuit.

Chris Cargill
Jun 9, 20231 min read


Federal regulations surge, but Mountain States lead by example
It's a very different story at the local level. In fact, Idaho is the least regulated state in the country.

Chris Cargill
Jun 9, 20231 min read


Montana legislature overrides public records veto
Enhancing and complying with open government laws is important for a well-functioning and accountable government.

Jason Mercier
Jun 6, 20232 min read


From counting ceiling tiles to crafting messages - meet MSPC's Sebastian Griffin
I was a sophomore in high school, going through the motions of the day-to-day routine. Homeroom, Math, English, maybe weight room. But...
Sebastian Griffin
Jun 2, 20232 min read


Greetings from Jason Mercier - MSPC’s new Vice President and Director of Research
Non-partisan policy based on facts and not emotion is just what the country needs right now, and MSPC is well-positioned to help.

Jason Mercier
Jun 1, 20233 min read


Supreme Court cleans up the Clean Water Act
Thanks to the perseverance of a Northern Idaho couple, the Clean Water Act (CWA), is less polluted by bureaucratic expansion.

Madilynne Clark
May 30, 20233 min read
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