North Idaho Republicans Share Opponent’s Social Security Number, Sparking Controversy
The recent sharing of Christa Hazel’s Social Security number by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee has ignited controversy within Idaho’s political landscape. Hazel, an active volunteer with the North Idaho Republicans, has faced doxing incidents multiple times since July. This latest act marks the first time that a formal arm of the Idaho Republican Party has been implicated.
Background of the Controversy
The issue began when a far-right activist posted a criminal complaint from 1992 against Hazel, alleging she stole approximately $300 from J.C. Penney at age 18. Although this complaint was dismissed, it included sensitive information such as her birth date and Social Security number. Hazel revealed this information through screenshots shared with local media.
Social Media Posts and Political Fallout
On a recent Wednesday, the Kootenai County central committee shared the criminal complaint on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). While the Facebook post redacted Hazel’s Social Security number, the post on X did not. Dorothy Moon, Chairwoman of the Idaho Republican Party, expressed her support for the committee, accusing the North Idaho Republicans of attempting to mislead voters about the party’s values.
Hazel expressed her shock regarding the intimidation tactics employed by official Republican leaders. She stated, “I believe it completely crosses a line of decency.” Hazel’s comments resonate with broader concerns over political violence that affects not just party members but the public at large.
Responses from Political Figures
When approached for comment, Brent Regan, chairman of the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee, questioned the legitimacy of the information shared. He asserted there was “no way to confirm” the Social Security number’s authenticity. However, an independent verification by the media confirmed that the documents indeed contained Hazel’s Social Security number.
Criticism of Party Practices
The controversy arose shortly after Hazel published a newsletter that criticized the Kootenai County committee’s candidate vetting process. She argued that the committee endorsed candidates with questionable ethics and backgrounds. Regan dismissed her claims as a “laundry list of false statements” based on outdated records.
Though Hazel is not currently running for office, her past roles include serving on the Coeur d’Alene school board and the Kootenai County Central Committee. She resigned in 2017, citing a shift to far-right ideologies within the committee.
Broader Implications
Political commentator Gregory Graf weighed in, describing the committee’s actions as an “escalation” in the use of intimidation tactics by the party. He noted that while doxing might have occurred previously among party members, its endorsement through official channels signals a troubling trend.
This situation reflects a growing concern regarding the safety and security of individuals involved in politics, as emphasized by recent threats against Idaho Republicans, including Moon herself.
Conclusion
Hazel condemned the actions of the Kootenai County central committee, arguing that such tactics endanger the safety of individuals and their families. She believes it is essential for Republicans in Idaho to reflect on these developments and to protect the integrity of political discourse.
