Gov. Butch Otter and First Lady Lori Otter have only two more years left in their leadership positions. But they hardly have a short-timer’s attitude when it comes to shaping the Republican Party on the legislative and precinct levels. The formation of Otter PAC, criticized as being a “power grab” by the governor and first lady, showed some muscle in last week’s primary elections. Sen. Shawn Keough of Sandpoint, Luke Malek of Coeur d’Alene and Rep. Kelley Packer of McCammon were victorious in the face of heavy opposition from the conservative Idaho Freedom Foundation. “We’re not here because we are afraid of the Idaho Freedom Foundation. We’re here because we think we can make a difference with the party,” said Lori Otter. “The driving force for us is there is a lot of common sense that goes with leading and a lot of common sense that goes with conservative values.” Through her husband’s experience in Congress and as governor, she knows that running for office is not the same as serving/Chuck Malloy, Idaho Politics Weekly. More here.

Question: Do you see evidence that Otter PAC made an impact in the Idaho GOPrimary contests in North Idaho?