It's no secret that there is turmoil in the local Republican Party, but this primary election season, many are hoping that will change. "There has been an organized effort to take the party over and it has been successful," said Duane Rasmussen, who is considered an "establishment" Republican. "The ideology of the party has changed." That has motivated Rasmussen and a number of other Republicans to organize an effort to reclaim control of the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee. Even some of those who helped organize the takeover of the GOP, which started in 2008, are hoping there will be some change in the party after the upcoming May 20 primary election. "Yes, I have had a change of heart, and here is why I have had a change of heart," said Bjorn Handeen, pictured, who is considered a Ron Paul Republican. "We took over the party all across the state and we were still unable to change much"/Jeff Selle, Coeur d'Alene Press. More here.

Question: What would it take for the local GOP to mend itself?