Well...we have a race for governor in 2018. Russ Fulcher, who two years ago ran a surprisingly close race against Gov. Butch Otter, joins Lt. Gov. Brad Little in the 2018 Republican sweepstakes.

It could be a crowded field before it’s over. Speculation is buzzing about Congressman Raul Labrador and Attorney General Lawrence Wasden taking the plunge. Throw in usual suspects such as Harley Brown and “Pro-Life” Richardson, plus a couple of more legitimate candidates, then Idaho will have an old-fashioned “jungle” primary, with perhaps 25 percent of the vote being enough to seal the victory.

The tragedy is all this could be decided through a closed GOP primary, where turnout generally is woefully low. If it comes down to the big four, handicapping the race would be a nightmare. All have strengths, as well as profound weaknesses.

Fulcher’s Achilles heel could be his association with the Idaho Freedom Foundation’s board of directors. He recently resigned from the board, but was touted by the IFF chair for his “wisdom” and “undying advocacy for less government, improved economic growth and reducing Idaho’s reliance on Washington, D.C.” More here.

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