Boise County GOP central committee endorses challenger over incumbent GOP rep
In an unusual move, the Boise County Republican Central Committee has placed a paid ad in a local newspaper, the Idaho World, endorsing Dorothy Moon in her GOP primary challenge to state Rep. Merrill Beyeler, R-Leadore. The ad, with the heading “Boise County Republicans Unanimously Endorse Dorothy Moon,” sings Moon’s praises and says the central committee backs her, without mentioning Beyeler.
Boise County is just one of five counties that make up legislative District 8; it also takes in Custer, Gem, Lemhi and Valley counties, making it geographically one of the largest districts in the state. Beyeler is a rancher who’s in his first term; two years ago, he defeated longtime Rep. Lenore Barrett, R-Challis, in the Republican primary.
“The Idaho Republican Party does not endorse in primaries,” said David Johnston, Idaho GOP executive director. “As a party, we let our voters decide who our nominees are and do not get involved in any shape, form or way. We respect the voters’ decision and it’s our responsibility to carry our nominees through the general election as a party. This is why we discourage our Republican organizations from weighing in during the primary, although we can’t control them and they’re free to do what they want.”
John Blattler, Boise County GOP Central Committee chairman, said it’s “not unusual at all” for his nine-member county central committee to endorse candidates in primaries, though this is the only race in which it’s endorsed this year. “Some choose not to, and we have on occasion chosen to do so,” Blattler said. “It’s perfectly within the bounds of our rules, and we chose to do it.” He said the committee only takes that step when it’s unanimous.
Moon, a teacher, is from near Stanley in Custer County; Beyeler is from Lemhi County.
Johnston said the county and legislative district committees are “stand-alone entities from the state party.” He added, “Generally, though, county parties are concerned only with county candidates, and legislative districts are concerned with legislative district candidates.” Moon is the party’s legislative District 8 chair.
