Three-term Idaho House Speaker Lawerence Denney, arguably the most powerful member of the Idaho Legislature, lost his leadership post tonight to rival Rep. Scott Bedke, R-Oakley, in a dramatic political upset. The ouster, which happened during closed-door legislative caucus elections, marked the first time in three decades that a top Idaho legislative leader has been deposed by his own party. It came as top Idaho Senate leaders held off challenges, keeping their leadership team in place; and House Majority Leader Mike Moyle, R-Star, survived a challenge to keep his post despite Denney’s ouster/Betsy Russell, SR. More here.

• Moyle stays as House Majority Leader
• Denney swears Bedke in as House Speaker
• Betsy Russell covers other legislative leadership results here

Question: Are you surprised that Idaho GOP House members would dump Lawerence Denney as House Speaker?