The Idaho Democratic Party, in a news release, expressed "delight" over the decision by citizen activist and Harvard professor and mediator Keith Allred to run for governor as a Democrat, and said he's expected to formally announce his candidacy next week. "He will be an outstanding candidate and would make a fine governor," said former Gov. Cecil Andrus, who will be Allred's honorary campaign chairman. "Keith will immediately be a credible, serious candidate."

Bethine Church, a party icon and widow of Sen. Frank Church, said, "I think we can expect one of the liveliest campaigns we've seen in years." Party Chairman Keith Roark said, "We'll have to wait and see if anyone else files, but this is a great start. Keith Allred is a proven problem solver, someone who can bring people together. He will bring energy, enthusiasm and a new perspective to the race. And most importantly, this is someone who would be an outstanding governor for Idaho." You can read the party's full news release here.

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