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Idaho GOP could back idea of new state militia

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Could Idaho get an all-volunteer state militia that’s out from under any federal control?

A Butte County delegate to the state Republican Party convention in Idaho Falls on Friday got his compatriots on a committee to go along with the plan — at least on paper.

The idea must still win full convention approval Saturday.

Butte County delegate Guy Mongan said such a force could assist in the event of natural disasters and wouldn’t be subject to a military call-up, like the Idaho National Guard.

Ada County delegate Phil Hardy said he appreciates the notion that Idaho could be left unprotected if many of its citizen soldiers are dispatched to defend the nation. But Hardy contended the time isn’t ripe for the plan.

The measure cleared the committee on a 21-18 vote.