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Election Season Open in Idaho – First Shots Fired

This season has started with a Bang!

election

Primary Election Season is Open in Idaho – First Shots Fired

Last minute filings put the Secretary of State’s office in a whirlwind last week as candidates submitted their names for this year’s election cycle.

Though not every seat is challenged, many races will be interesting to watch. The Primary will bring the first round, as the parties decide who will be their candidate.

election
Rep. Raul Labrador

Incumbent Republican Raul Labrador will be challenged by 2 Republicans and 3 Democrats. Two of the candidates are actually California residents. Idaho law seems to allow this, and they have until the day before the election to claim residency here. Maybe this is an issue that a lawmaker will take up next session?

Senator Curt McKenzie has withdrawn his name from the Senate race and submitted it for the Idaho Supreme Court. He will face 5 challengers, including Christ Troupis, who unsuccessfully challenged Attorney General Lawrence Wasden in the 2014 GOP primary. However, McKenzie’s Father, Ray McKenzie, has picked up the torch to run for his son’s seat.

Another primary to watch is between Eric Redman, R-Athol, and Alan Littlejohn, also of Athol. Littlejohn had previously supported Redman in the last election cycle, but became disappointed in his voting record. After Littlejohn’s announcement, Redman submitted his first ever bill. The bill targets Sharia Law.

election
Carl Berglund

Then there is District 5, where another upset happened at the last minute. Carl Berglund, originally set for a primary challenge against Carolyn Troy, was asked by Tom Lawford, Latah County GOP Chairman, to withdraw and challenge Democrat Paulette Jordan instead. Lawford told Redoubt News that he had been reassured that Bill Goesling was not going to run, therefore no one would be challenging Jordan. Berglund also tells us that Goesling called him personally to confirm that he was not going to file. However, within minutes of Berglund faxing his new candidacy papers, Goesling jumped into that Primary race. We were unsuccessful in our attempts to reach Goesling for comment. Either way, it certainly sounds as if someone has gone to the dark side and should be questioned by the voters.

Freshman Ron Nate, R-Rexburg, has received a primary challenge from Doug Ricks, also of Rexburg. Nate has fought for Constitutional Carry and Education issues this year. Asked why he decided to challenge Nate, Ricks told the Spokesman, “I think I can represent the people of our district a little better. I’m more of a conservative Republican. I kind of think Ron Nate is tied in a little too closely to the Idaho Freedom Foundation, and votes almost straight down with their recommendations.”

Not to be left out of the mix, Candidate Pro-Life is challenging Sen. Mike Crapo, while his wife, Kirsten Faith Richardson, is running against Sen. Steven Thayn, and his son, Ammon Emanuel Pro-Life, is running against Rep. Merrill Beyeler. All of the Pro-Life Family are running as Constitution Party Candidates.

Grab the popcorn, Ladies and Gentlemen, the 2016 Idaho Primary season has begun.