The top three candidates for Idaho’s open governor seat in next year’s election came racing out of the blocks Friday night.

Well, let’s say they were trotting.

U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador, Idaho Lt. Gov. Brad Little and Boise physician-businessman Tommy Ahlquist were given an easy warm-up at the Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn.

The format for the Idaho GOP’s summer meeting was set by the Idaho Employer Alliance — a group of businessmen who agreed that questions for the candidates should focus on hiring a CEO to run the state.

There was nothing wrong with that premise, but the full-house audience spent a lot of time sitting quietly because the questions were identical for all three candidates, none came from the audience and there was no interaction allowed among the candidates/Steve Cameron, Coeur d'Alene Press. More here.

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