Recent critics have suggested that the Republican Party has too much political power in Idaho. Term limit advocates claim tenure of public service contributes to political power and leads to corruption. They cite examples from history as well as current events. It is true that some people abuse power—in politics, in business, even in families. But to condemn political power for its mere presence is like condemning electrical power because it can sometimes destroy.

All successful leaders exercise power in order to accomplish goals, but there are different levels of power and the results can vary greatly depending on which level the leader utilizes. The lowest level of power is generated by fear. The leader purports that something bad will happen or that something good will not happen if the leader does not get his way. This is called coercive power and is sometimes used by politicians, business leaders, and even parents. For example, using coercive power, an employer can motivate an employee to perform certain tasks by threatening (either directly or by inference) that the employee’s job or promotion is in jeopardy. This kind of power is easily abused by those who wield it.

A more effective level of power is called persuasive power. Using persuasive power, leaders entice others with the promise of rewards or benefits. "If you vote for me, I will cut your taxes while providing more welfare, better education, and a higher standard of living."

The highest level of power requires more of the leader. Influential power comes as people gain trust in their leader. They believe in him or her and in what he or she is trying to accomplish. They are committed to their leader because he or she is committed to them. We have all been motivated by a teacher, a scoutmaster, or a friend possessing the power of influence. Influential power is not externally visible, it is internal. It is not control over others, it is control over self. It comes from integrity, compassion, humility, understanding. These are power—pure, useful, incorruptible power—power that can be used to accomplish good and defeat those who exert lower levels of power for dishonorable purposes.

The power employed by our government leaders will determine the future of this state and nation. George Washington gave us the appropriate example of influential power. Yes, he was intelligent and wealthy, but it was his integrity and character that made him the choice of his countrymen. He loved the peace and security of Mount Vernon, but he responded to the call of public service. As we select those people who will lead our governments, we must seek men and women who are honorable and trustworthy, regardless of their length of tenure; people who will listen to us and then inspire us; who will take our goals and make them theirs. It is not our duty to turn away a party or a candidate merely because they possess political power, but it is our job as informed voters to ensure that the power we grant them with our vote is used to defend our best interests.

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