Tonight's debate in the race for governor will feature GOP challengers Rex Rammell and Sharon Ullman (shown above center, the first to arrive for tonight's debate), but not incumbent Gov. Butch Otter, who declined to participate. In a statement today from his campaign, Otter repeated his contention that the debate should have invited all candidates, including those not actively campaigning for the post. He also said, "I met some of my primary opponents at Lincoln Day events around the state in recent months. Each of us had ample opportunity to get voters acquainted with our issues and priorities."

Otter likely will be the target of his rivals tonight, and due to his absence won't be able to respond to their digs; the debate starts at 8 p.m. Mountain time, 7 p.m. Pacific, and will air live statewide on Idaho Public Television. The public can attend; 130 seats are available to the public in the Capitol Auditorium on a first-come, first-served basis, and the doors open at 7 p.m. Boise time. It's the last of the "Idaho Debates" for Idaho's May 25 primary election, but there'll be a full slate again in the fall for the general election. The "Idaho Debates" are sponsored by the Idaho Press Club and the Idaho League of Women Voters, and co-sponsored by The Associated Press, Boise State Radio, Idaho Allied Dailies, Idaho State Broadcasters Association, The Idaho Statesman, KIVI-TV and KBOI-TV; they can be viewed online at www.idahoptv.org.