Huckleberries has learned that Kootenai County Clerk Jim Brannon has hired my favorite local conservative as his chief deputy: Jennifer Locke. Locke, who received news coverage for her role as one of four Idaho electors to cast Electoral College votes to President-elect Donald Trump, officially began work Tuesday. In a telephone interview with Brannon and Locke this morning, Huckleberries learned that the move had been in the works for some time. "I'm excited to have her working for me," Brannon said. "She's smart, personal and agrees with me a lot." Locke said she shut down her personal business to join the county staff and is excited to be taking on "this new adventure." Quoth: "I look forward to this new opportunity to serve the taxpayers of Kootenai County as well as county employees." When asked which one was more conservative, the two laughed. Brannon noted that he supported U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in the GOPrimary while Locke was a staunch Trump supporter.