Keith Hutcheson, chief of the Coeur d'Alene Tribal Police, told the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee Tuesday night that he plans to run for Kootenai County sheriff next year as a Republican. Sheriff's Major Ben Wolfinger also has announced his intention to run as a Republican for the seat of long-time incumbent Rocky Watson, who has announced he won't see another term. Hutcheson, according to Betsy Russell/SR, who was at the meeting told the Central Committee that he has always been a Republican -- and offered the cross-deputization agreement that he hammered out with Benewah County officials as proof that he can get things done. Hutcheson lost by 44 votes to incumbent Ron Jacobson in a race for Post Falls City Council in 2009.

Question: Do you like the way the GOP primary race for Kootenai County sheriff is shaping up?