One of the nation’s most reliably Republican states may finally play an important role in picking the party’s presidential nominee. The reason? Two changes: Accelerating the delegate-selection process by 2› months, and new rules making a winner-take-all outcome likely. “We’ve been overlooked, but Idaho could be a key prize on the path to winning the Republican nomination,” Jonathan Parker, executive director of the state GOP, said Tuesday. Parker said he expects to see Republican presidential candidates actively campaign in Idaho. The action begins Friday at the Riverside Hotel in Garden City with a non-binding straw poll. Voters will pay $30. Parker readily admits the event is a fundraiser, but expects it will help boost interest in the March 6 caucus/Dan Popkey, Idaho Statesman. More here.

Question: Who will win the Idaho straw poll Friday?