Last Straw:They sued a critic over a post Regan admitted was true

The record

• The KCRCC sued Gookin for defamation over tweets calling the vetting process rigged.¹
• One post described Regan taking the vetting ballots home to count.²
• In June 2024 Regan confirmed it under oath: "They were tabulated, they were put in an envelope and sealed, and I took those home, yes."²
• In April 2026 Regan wrote that secret ballots "tabulated immediately in full view of the entire assembly eliminate any opportunity for fraud or 'rigging' of the results."³
• He added: "When former Councilman Gookin made a false claim of fraud, he was sued for defamation, which ultimately resulted in a $25,000 payment to the KCRCC Legal Defense Fund."³
• It was the first civil suit the KCRCC filed as plaintiff under Regan.²
• Regan confirmed others who called him "liar" and "corrupt" were not sued.²
• No cease and desist letter was sent before the suit was filed.²
• The suit is paid from a Legal Defense Fund. Donations to it are not reported to the Secretary of State.²
• Gookin was served during public comment at a council meeting while KCRCC members filmed.¹

Who

• Brent ReganChaired the KCRCC that sued, and testified as its designated witness.
• Jim CookeKCRCC precinct committeeman running to unseat Gookin.

Sources

1. Kootenai County political committee sues CdA councilmember Dan Gookin for 'mean tweets'Spokesman-Review · November 2023 (archive)
2. Brent Regan 30(b)(6) deposition, KCRCC v. Gookin, Case No. CV28-23-6601 (PDF)Idaho First Judicial District Court · June 25, 2024
3. OPINION: Recommended candidates for the May 19 primaryCoeur d'Alene Press, by Brent Regan · April 2026 (archive)