Update: On a 3-0 vote, following a motion by Commissioner Dan Green, county commissioners appointed Republicam Jim Brannon to replace the late Cliff Hayes as Kootenai County clerk. Brannon was immediately sworn into office.

That 24 people are attending the commissioner interviews with the three men nominated by the Kootenai County GOP Central Committee to replace the late County Clerk Cliff Hayes. The number includes the three candidates, the three commissioners and a clerk. Others present include Prosecutor Barry McHugh, Matt Roetter, Councilman Dan Gookin, Donna Montgomery, Deputy Clerk Pat Raffee, and Assessor Mike McDowell. At 4:23 p.m., the commissioners are conducting a question-and-answer period.

• 4:51 p.m. Commissioner Tondee comments that he'd like to have Handeen looking at courthouse operations. Handeen has said he won't run for election in 2014. Handeen's comment that he'd enter office with an open mind seems to appeal to Tondee.
• 4:48 p.m. Commissioner Green says he's leaning toward Brannon.
• 4:41 p.m. Questions are over & commissioners discussing merits of 3 candidates.

Thoughts?

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