Retired Forest Ranger Runs For Senate

Democrat Donald E. “Sam” Sears, who likes being labeled “a fiercely independent cuss,” will run against Gordon Crow, R-Hayden, for the Idaho’s 3rd District Senate seat.

Sears’ first run for public office was a failed bid last year for Coeur d’Alene City Council. He said he is running for the Senate seat because the Legislature is lopsided with too many Republicans.

“When they run a Republican bill through, there’s no debate. There aren’t enough Democrats to give them alternatives,” he said.

Sears said is concerned about education, and wants the minimum wage increased.

“I’m not an environmentalist, but I do believe we should maintain clean air, clean water,” he said. “And I believe in business. Without business, you don’t have jobs.”

Sears is 65. He retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1968, and the Forest Service in 1990. He and his wife, Mary, have a son and daughter. , DataTimes