In a rare move, Gov. Butch Otter has endorsed first-time candidate Abby Lee over Senate Resources and Environment Committee Chairman Monty Pearce, an eight-term GOP lawmaker from New Plymouth. Pearce is backing Sen. Russ Fulcher's challenge to Otter. The endorsement in District 9, announced this week by Lee, is another example of the high-stakes battle between the moderate and conservative wings of the Idaho Republican Party in the May 20 primary. "It's no surprise," said Pearce, 65. "Butch is wanting people to agree with his viewpoint. He's supposed to be a conservative but he's kind of lost his conservative credentials. All he has is the talk left — that's all he's got is the talk — because he forgot the walk." Lee, 42, of Fruitland, is director of public information for Treasure Valley Community College and a doctoral candidate in public policy and administration at Boise State/Dan Popkey, Idaho Statesman. More here.

Question: How much clout does our sitting governor have in a race for state senator?