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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsA GOP lawmaker supported an immigration crackdown. Her husband paid a price.
The call came as Tom Zuiderveld was driving last month, just minutes from his home on five verdant acres of Southern Idahos agricultural heartland. It was his district manager, relaying that three of the dairies he sold synthetic oil to had refused to continue working with him.
Zuiderveld felt blindsided he had known the dairy owners for years, and the accounts represented 80 percent of his income. But it wasnt about his performance, the manager explained on the phone and in a later email. It was about the politics of Zuidervelds wife.
Glenneda Zuiderveld is a Republican state senator and member of a far-right bloc that was pushing for strict immigration laws. Idahos dairy industry, which powers the economy of the Magic Valley region anchored by Twin Falls, depends on foreign-born labor and fiercely opposed the measures.
To the Zuidervelds, the rupture was simple retaliation that illustrates just how bitterly personal American politics has become an ambush, Tom Zuiderveld said, that cost the couple as much as $125,000 in commission a year. To the businesses, which are dominated by Republicans in this deep red state, the moves were fair game in an essential effort to protect the nations third-largest dairy industry.
We live in a free country, and we can actually do business with whoever we want to, said Arie Roeloffs, owner of Riverbend Dairy, which in April became the fourth to cut ties with Zuiderveld, who is his wifes campaign treasurer. What his wife is doing in the state legislature are things that I dont agree with. And he stands behind her.
https://wapo.st/4eqX5xi
tanyev
(49,573 posts)That was when they assumed the free market would always benefit them.
UpInArms
(55,278 posts)In 2024, Zuiderveld co-sponsored an unsuccessful resolution calling on Congress to impeach former president Joe Biden over what the Idaho state lawmakers said were immigration failures and societal ills caused by cheap immigrant labor.
I hope they starve, because they would happily starve others
Its a beautiful example of the principles of karma, FAFO and reaping what you sew
soooo many valuable life lessons for these people. May their suffering be great until their eyes (and hearts) are opened is my new MAGA prayer
niyad
(133,743 posts)That is all
hlthe2b
(114,491 posts)Then I hope to hear the "end of the story...." I doubt it will be a "pretty" one.
LuvLoogie
(8,880 posts)Auggie
(33,280 posts)She is bring challenged by another repuke named Brent Reinke.
The winner of the May 19th primary will face Mary Jo Durfee, Democrat, in November, plus an Independent.
niyad
(133,743 posts)usaf-vet
(7,847 posts)niyad
(133,743 posts)their righteous stance.