5.11.2026 - INTEREVIEW: Judge Cody Brower, Idaho Primaries, PAC Money

Send us Fan MailWe’re in that familiar spot where the Idaho primary is the real election, and there’s simply more happening than any show can realistically hold. A big chunk of the conversation centers on the sudden, statewide panic over Jordan Redmond putting serious personal money into a PAC to support primary challengers—panic that feels a little rich considering how much anonymous, out-of-state “dark money” has been flowing into Idaho for years through friendlier-sounding front groups (like “Defend Public Lands”). The point we keep coming back to: either big money influencing elections is a problem across the board, or people need to stop melting down when the “wrong” side plays the same game—especially when Redmond is at least putting his name on it and daring everyone else to do the same.We also dig into campaign dynamics closer to home: frustration with candidates ducking debates and controlling “forum” formats, with particular heat around Ben Fermann’s refusal to engage in tougher settings and the sense that momentum may be shifting toward Julianne Young. We touch on the Heart vs. Connor Cook race, the curious alignment of endorsements, and how voters can cut through the noise using tools like the Sunshine Report. Then we pivot to a rare contested judicial race with District Judge Cody Brower, who lays out his background, his courtroom philosophy, and—importantly—why sentencing outcomes (especially in child sex offense cases) often hinge on plea deals and charging decisions made before a case ever reaches a judge.### Highlights- The uproar over Jordan Redmond’s PAC vs. the relative quiet about long-running dark money and industry PAC influence in Idaho.- Why “nice guy” politics doesn’t equal conservative voting—and why that’s driving primary challenges.- Forum/debate drama in East Idaho races and how “meet the candidate” events are replacing real debates.- Judge Cody Brower on judicial philosophy, constitutional rights, and how plea agreements can limit sentencing options.- Practical advice: use the Sunshine Report to track who is funding which messages and candidates.Let’s talk advertising. When you want to advertise on the radio, you call the station, right? But what about Facebook, Instagram, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, and other streaming platforms?You could try clicking around, reading books, or taking online courses to figure it out—or you can let us handle it. At Sandhill Media Group, we’re your local experts in both radio and digital marketing.Visit SandhillMediaGroup.com today.<a href="https://www.sandhillmediagrou