Gov. Butch Otter is winning praise today for his pitch to lawmakers yesterday about the importance of setting up a state-run health insurance exchange, rather than letting the federal government come in and set up and run an exchange for Idaho. Jim Wordelman, state director of the Idaho AARP, said, “The creation of the exchange would allow individuals, families and small businesses to find affordable health care by giving them the same advantages large companies have when they negotiate group rates. AARP strongly supports the implementation of a state driven approach to the exchange with strong consumer protections and commends Governor Otter for his stand.” You can read the AARP's full statement here. Also today, the Idaho Associated General Contractors sent out this tweet: “Idaho AGC commends Governor Otter for being a responsible leader on health care exchanges.” You can read my print story here from today's Spokesman-Review.