Idaho’s May primary ballot will be a crowded one, with an array of contested races from governor and Congress to North Idaho legislative seats; you can read my full story here at spokesman.com. Outside the Idaho Secretary of State’s office half an hour before Friday's 5 p.m. deadline, former House Minority Leader John Rusche said he’s filed to run for his old seat, challenging current Rep. Mike Kingsley, R-Lewiston. “I didn’t feel well served by my legislator the last two years,” Rusche said.

At the top of the ticket, three Democrats and seven Republicans will vie for governor, while three Democrats and six Republicans will face off for North Idaho’s 1st Congressional District seat.

Meanwhile, lively legislative races are shaping up around the state and in every North Idaho district, with former lawmakers Phil Hart, Kathy Sims and Shannon McMillan trying for comebacks and newcomers crowding races for three open seats. Sitting North Idaho legislators facing primary challenges include Reps. Heather Scott, Vito Barbieri, Priscilla Giddings and Paul Shepherd, and Sens. Mary Souza and Dan Foreman.

Idaho Secretary of State Lawerence Denney worked the front desk as the final filers came in, relishing the activity. “It’s fun,” he said. Asked if there were any surprises, he said, “There’s going to be a lot of Democratic primaries,” and added, “There’s always Republican primaries.”

Denney joked, “This is the most work I’ve done in a long time.”