Politico, a national political news magazine and web site says the Idaho race for governor is in play. Polls have shown Gov. Butch Otter up earlier this month by as much as 18 points over Boise businessman and philanthropist A.J. Balukoff. But Balukoff has spent heavily on television and digital advertising and Politico reporter James Hohmann said Otter is one of two incumbent Republicans who are most vulnerable. Hohmann said the reason is the tough budget decisions Otter, running for a third term has made. After eight years of leading the state through the deepest recession since the Great Depression, Otter has disappointed many Idahoans on the right and the center with decisions he has made - from education cuts to pushing through a state health exchange/Rocky Barker, Statesman. More here.

Question: Are you surprised that two-term Gov. Otter has been unable to shake off Balukoff challenge?