Six-term Idaho Rep. Dick Harwood, R-St. Maries, has decided to end his 12-year legislative career after this year. “I’m not going to run,” Harwood said Thursday. “My wife’s family’s not doing well. … She needs me to be there.” After 12 years in the Legislature, Harwood says he’s most proud of his work to push back against the federal government, including his failed bill this year to kick the EPA out of Idaho. “My whole goal has been to push back from the federal government,” Harwood said. “Just having someone here to try to push back and say, ‘Hey, we have sovereignty as a state,’ and try to keep the federal government from running over the top of us. That’s been my goal.” He said his only regret is that he wasn’t able to do more on that score/Betsy Russell, Eye On Boise. More here.

Question: Did Dick Harwood have an impact on the Idaho Legislature?

Demo Paula Marano had a slight advantage over Repub Kathy Sims in fund-raising, according to campaign finance reports filed last week. Marano raised $17,352, including a $2500 loan to her campaign, to Sims’ $16,135 for the calendar year through Oct. 10. Marano has spent $11,061 and has $6291 on hand. Sims has spent $8,845 and has $7,290 on hand. Marano’s major contributors include: Idaho PAC, $2,000; Idaho AFL-CIO and Ken Howard, both $500; Jim & Glenda Michaud, $400; Jack Spurgeon, $300; and 3 contributors of $250 apiece. Marano’s full report here. Sims’ biggest donors are: Agra PAC, House Republican Caucus, Idaho Republican Party, Coachman Auto Body, all with $1000; Mick McClure Honda, Idaho Power, Idaho PAC, Idaho Loggers PAC, Quest, Winning for Idaho, & ANRI PAC, $500 apiece; and 7 others at $250. Sims spent $2,350 in advertising with the Coeur d’Alene Press. Sims’ full report here.

Mike (Bullard, legislative candidate for Coeur d’Alene House District 4A seat) started out walking, but that wasn’t fast enough, so he reached down into his roots for a better way. As a youth he did not have a car through high school or college. Mike traveled by bike, even dating by riding girls on his handlebars. (Not many agreed to that, but they were the best ones). Now, with a little outfitting from one of our great local bike shops, he is rolling through the precincts. So far he has knocked on doors of 2500 voters. Five precincts down, sixteen to go by November/Coeur d’Alene Ped/Bike Committee. More here.

Question: What do you make of a legislative candidate campaigning on a bicycle?