WinkVlog

BOISE, Idaho (CBS 2) — Idaho Lt. Gov Janice McGeachin has released a statement to reporters Friday about a Facebook post Thursday showing her apparently making the “heart” sign to Todd Engel, who is in prison in connection to the Bundy Ranch standoff in Nevada.

McGeachin posed for the photo outside her Statehouse office with two members of the 3 Percenters group, who were displaying what has come to be considered by many as a white power hand-sign.

It was quickly deleted from her Lt. Gov McGeachin Facebook page.

Democrat leadership told reporters they are concerned about the incident and have heard from constituents who say they're afraid to come to the Statehouse now.

McGeachin released a statement to the media, which was obtained by the Idaho Press early Friday afternoon:

"I took a photo with two Second Amendment supporters who were here to support Todd Engel, an Idahoan who was treated unjustly by the court system for standing up for our fundamental rights as Americans. They were part of a larger group who had come to the Capitol to protest Engel's imprisonment.

"I wholeheartedly reject bigotry and discrimination in all of its forms. Throughout my public service, business career, and my personal life, I've always treated everyone with respect and dignity. Once I discovered that a few people had begun erroneously assigning sinister motives which are contrary to my true character, I immediately deleted the post.

"The photo was intended to show support for Engel and nothing more. No other messages were intended in this photo. To claim otherwise is ridiculous, and is part of a larger narrative to paint conservative leaders as embracing identity politics.

"Since being elected as the lieutenant governor of Idaho I have worked diligently with the business community to help develop a path to increase government efficiencies while improving government customer service to citizens and to help provide more opportunities for our youth to pursue skills-based careers. I look forward to continuing to work for the people of Idaho on these issues and demonstrating how Idaho continues to be the best state to live, work, raise a family, and visit."

ADL (The Anti-Defamation League), Pacific Northwest Regional Director Miri Cypers released the following statement today in response to Idaho Lt. Governor Janice McGeachin’s recent Facebook photo with two anti-government extremists:

“We are deeply troubled by the recent photo posted by Idaho Lt. Governor Janice McGeachin posing with two anti-government extremists.

While we do not think that these individuals were attempting to display the ‘white power’ symbol, we do believe that they were making a Three Percenter hand sign- a different branch of extremism with an anti-government focus. The Three Percenters are a wing of the militia movement that arose as part of a resurgence of the militia movement in 2009. The term “Three Percenter” refers to the erroneous belief that only three percent of colonists fought against the British during the Revolutionary War – but achieved liberty for everybody.

For a prominent politician like Lt. Governor McGeachin to have relationship with these individuals is disturbing. We call on our elected officials to hold themselves to a high standard, refraining using their positions of power to elevate a fringe ideology. Our actions matter and fighting hate and extremism is everyone’s responsibility.

We look forward to a thoughtful dialogue in promoting a more tolerant and peaceful society with the Lt. Governor.”

Governor Little’s Office will not be making a statement until he’s had a chance to meet and talk with the Lt. Gov.

The governor was hoping to do that Friday before 3:30 p.m. but Lt. Gov. McGeachin has left. They have not been able to reach her or have any communication with her office all day, although members of his office have tried several times but her door was locked.

They are hoping to have a statement come Monday, but cannot make any guarantees.

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