Longtime Kootenai County Clerk Dan English, a Democrat, was a little surprised to get a phone message at his Twin Lakes home reminding him about the 4th of July parade in Coeur d’Alene – courtesy of former state Sen. Sheila Sorensen, who’s running for the 1st District congressional seat as a Republican. “I guess they have to find some way to get their name out,” English said. “It’s starting early.”

The primary election isn’t until May of 2006, with the general election following in November ’06. But it’s already a crowded race on the GOP side, with Sorensen, Idaho Water Users Executive Director Norm Semanko, state Sen. Skip Brandt of Kooskia, and Canyon County Commissioner Robert Vasquez all announced candidates. The Democrats and more Republicans are still to come. It’s an open race with no incumbent, because U.S. Rep. Butch Otter plans to leave Congress to run for governor.

English said despite all his years of political involvement, the parade reminder was a new one on him. He said he often participates in the local parade, and may again this year. “I might go down and walk in the Democrat section,” he said.

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