La Grande Man Calling for Secession to Idaho

PENDLETON, Ore. (AP) — An Oregon man is gathering support to get state lines redrawn, so the eastern regions of Oregon and Washington can become part of Idaho.

The East Oregonian reports 72-year-old La Grande farmer Ken Parsons is seeking input on the idea from eastern Oregon residents. Parsons says rural Oregon and Washington residents who are frustrated with being outvoted by the populous cities of Portland and Seattle should be able to join the more rural, conservative Idaho.

He says legislators from urban parts of their state can't relate to the struggles of rural residents. Parsons also admits that his plan to have eastern Oregon and Washington join Idaho is a long shot. The last state boundary to be redrawn was in 1863 when West Virginia was carved out of Virginia.