Two more candidates have been nominated for state GOP party chairman: Kathy Sims and Mike Duff.

Rep. Judy Boyle, R-Midvale, nominated Sims. “She truly lives the platform every single day,” Boyle told the Republican delegates. “For decades Kathy has been a grassroots volunteer, a tireless worker. She’s been elected to numerous party positions. She’s been our fundraiser, cheerleader and advisor. … Kathy Sims is basically the main reason why North Idaho has changed from the Democrats to the Republicans. I learned from my former boss, Helen Chenoweth, that any smart candidate first goes to Kathy Sims if they are running for the 1^st Congressional District or statewide office. I’ve watched Kathy grill those candidates on the Republican platform and principles. Kathy’s honesty, integrity and hard work has gained her respect throughout this state.”

She added, “One thing about Kathy, what you see is what you get. There is not a phony bone in her body. She is always honest and up-front in her positions, which is always based on the Republican platform. … She will work hard to help elect Republican candidates and to help defeat Hillary in November.”

John Cross seconded the nomination, as did Sen. Cliff Bayer, R-Boise, and Art Macomber of Coeur d’Alene. “She has good aim and she’s a straight shooter, and this is a 2nd Amendment state,” Macomber said.

Duff was lauded as someone who speaks his mind and doesn’t care about recognition. He is the former director of government relations for Melaleuca Inc., and has served as executive director of the Potato Growers of Idaho. He currently owns and operate a purebred Suffolk sheep seed stock operation. Duff was president of United Families Idaho, a statewide advocacy group that successfully worked to support passage of the 2006 constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage; it's since been overturned in federal court.