All things being equal, this should have been the year Idaho Democrats kept their heads down - or as political historian Randy Stapilus put it last week, "position themselves not to lose, or at least not lose badly." Usually, that translates into a bunch of Democrats running as Republicans-lite - pro-business, pro-jobs, pro-economic development but just a little more supportive of education. That's because presidential election years bring out Republican voters in spades - enough to swamp vulnerable Democrats in swing districts. At the moment, one of those swing districts includes Nez Perce and Lewis counties, where House Minority Leader John Rusche is facing a rematch with Republican Mike Kingsley - after surviving a near-death experience two years ago by 48 votes. In Boise, however, it was all Democratic counter-punch and Republican defensiveness/Marty Trillhaase, Lewiston Tribune. More here.

Question: Are Idaho Democrats sensing opportunity as a result of a badly fractured Republican Party?