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Conservative North Idaho legislator faces challenge from the right
In one of Idaho’s most conservative legislative districts, the seat formerly held by tax-protesting state Rep. Phil Hart has been going through some political evolution.
Idaho bar survey ranks three high court hopefuls highly, but not a fourth
Three of the candidates seeking an open Idaho Supreme Court seat were highly rated in a survey of members of the Idaho State Bar, but the fourth, state Sen. Curt McKenzie, drew much lower ratings from lawyers across the state, who rated the candidates on factors including integrity, independence, judicial temperament and legal experience.
State Bar survey finds Gutierrez, Brody tied for top scores, Strong second, McKenzie trailing way behind
The Idaho State Bar survey is out, surveying attorneys in Idaho about the four candidates for the Idaho Supreme Court. The results: Robyn Brody and Sergio Gutierrez tied for the top rankings, both getting an overall average score, statewide, of 3.58 out of 4. Clive…
Campaign finance reform initiative submits 79K signatures for verification
Supporters of a statewide effort seeking to amend Idaho’s campaign finance laws have collected roughly 79,000 signatures with the hopes of getting their initiative on the November ballot. Holli Woodings, chair of the Keep Idaho Elections Accountable campaign, says that her group sent the last batch of signatures…
Eye on Boise: Idaho GOP hopes for very different state convention this time
Idaho Republican Party Chairman Steve Yates struck an optimistic tone as he announced the state party convention, which is set for June 2-4 at the Idaho Center in Nampa. “This convention will serve to unite and launch the party into the 2016 general election from a position of strength,” Yates said. That stands in stark contrast to the 2014 convention, which ended in disarray without setting an agenda or doing any of its scheduled business.
Four vie for rare open seat on Idaho’s highest court
The top race on the Idaho ballot on May 17 isn’t in either the Republican or Democratic primary – it’s the nonpartisan race for an open seat on the Idaho Supreme Court, a rare contested race that’s drawn four candidates. Everyone who votes in the primary election, regardless of party, can vote in the Supreme Court race.
Dem hopeful Jerry Sturgill kicks off campaign against Sen. Crapo
When Boise businessman Jerry Sturgill threw his hat into the ring as the Democratic candidate running against GOP U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo last month, he just quietly filed; today, Sturgill sent out a news release formally announcing his candidacy. “I will bring a new approach…
Gutierrez runs for justice on court-access platform
When newly appointed Idaho Judge Sergio Gutierrez traveled from Canyon County to Weiser for his first first-degree murder trial in 1993, he was surprised by what he found there. The court interpreter assigned to the Spanish-speaking defendant wasn’t translating accurately. “And of course, I know Spanish,” Gutierrez said – it was his first language.
Strong lines up endorsements from all sides in bid for Idaho high court
Clive Strong has amassed endorsements from an array of prominent Idahoans for his run for the Idaho Supreme Court, from former governors of both parties to industry, business and education leaders and elected officials. He’s even been endorsed by both sides in a long-running water fight that affects much of the southern part of the state, “despite their differences,” Strong said; he was the state’s lead attorney in the biggest legal case in Idaho history, the Snake River Water Rights Adjudication, and has argued numerous cases before the Idaho Supreme Court and two before the U.S. Supreme Court.
McKenzie taps former Sen. John McGee to help with his Supreme Court campaign
Idaho Supreme Court candidate Curt McKenzie has hired former state Sen. John McGee — who resigned several years ago following highly publicized scandals — to help with his campaign. McKenzie, a Republican senator, says McGee is a longtime friend and he is proud to have him part of the team. McGee…
Brody wants to bring a different perspective to Idaho Supreme Court
Robyn Brody’s law office in downtown Rupert is right next door to the police station and not far from the courthouse and City Hall. “I get a lot of walk-in traffic,” she said.
Bonner County undersheriff resigns amid website scandal
Bonner County Undersheriff David Hale has resigned after admitting he set up a phony website for Sheriff Daryl Wheleer’s rival in the May Republican primary. The Bonner County Daily Bee reports Wheeler…
McKenzie hits GOP campaign circuit to seek Idaho high court seat
One of the four candidates in a contested, nonpartisan race for the Idaho Supreme Court is taking a different approach to the race, campaigning almost entirely at official Republican Party events and amassing endorsements only from fellow GOP state lawmakers.
Eye on Boise: Top Idaho officials disagree on ballot measure to amend state constitution
Idaho’s top state elected officials got into something of a debate over a proposed constitutional amendment lawmakers have approved this year for the November ballot, during last week’s state Land Board meeting.
Initiative proposes sweeping changes to Idaho’s campaign finance laws
Sweeping changes to Idaho’s campaign finance laws are being proposed in a voter initiative, from strict restrictions on campaign contributions from those holding or seeking big state contracts, to banning pricey lobbyist gifts to lawmakers, cutting contribution limits and doubling penalties for violations.