Several western states are going out of their way to honor the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Idaho especially claims a connection to the former president, arguing that he helped choose its name.
“More than any other state, Idaho is related to Abraham Lincoln,” argued David Leroy, chairman of the Idaho Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. “That sounds astounding, I suppose, if you’re from Kentucky, Indiana or Illinois. But we think we have a pretty good claim.”
Then there’s this story that just moved on the AP wire. I’m not sure what to make of it:
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho lawmakers will consider a bill to declare Abraham Lincoln an honorary governor on the bicentennial of his Feb. 12 birthday.
Former Lt. Gov. David Leroy, chairman of the Idaho Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, told a House committee on Monday the state should honor the president who authorized the creation of the Idaho territory in 1863.
Leroy says all but one of the four states that previously made up the Oregon territory — Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Montana — are considering legislation to name Lincoln an honorary governor on Thursday.
The director of Montana’s bicentennial commission says Montana legislators were not interested.