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Idaho high court overturns redistricting, may delay primary
BOISE – Idaho’s Supreme Court overturned the state’s new legislative redistricting plan Wednesday, ordering a citizen commission back to work and throwing into doubt the state’s schedule for its May primary election. This morning, a House committee will consider legislation to push the May primary back to August; the bill is sponsored by state Rep. Tom Loertscher, R-Iona, chairman of the House State Affairs Committee.
Idaho high court overturns redistricting plan
Idaho’s Supreme Court overturned the state’s new legislative redistricting plan Wednesday, ordering a citizen commission back to work and throwing into doubt the state’s schedule for its May primary election.
Elections, redistricting likely to play big role in Idaho
BOISE – As Idaho lawmakers head into an election-year session, they’re facing big decisions. Lawmakers and Gov. Butch Otter budgeted so conservatively last year that they’re now sitting on a $130 million surplus, even as health care services for the poor have been slashed, universities, schools and state agencies have seen their funding drop sharply and state employees have gone without raises.
Hart lawyer says state law trumps feds’ lawsuit
BOISE – Tax-protesting Idaho state Rep. Phil Hart has cited his status as a state legislator numerous times in seeking delays in his court fights over paying state and federal income taxes he owes, pointing to the state constitution’s clause protecting lawmakers from civil actions during sessions. Now he’s using it as an argument for dismissing a federal lawsuit to foreclose on his Athol home for back federal taxes. In Hart’s reply to the federal lawsuit, in which the Department of Justice is seeking to foreclose on the home to pay off more than a half-million dollars in back taxes, interest and penalties, his attorney charged that the IRS claim is “barred” because a “notice of deficiency” was sent to Hart while the Legislature was in session.
Idaho businessmen to challenge GOP allies
Tax-protesting Idaho state Rep. Phil Hart has drawn an opponent in the upcoming May GOP primary, as has his ally in their North Idaho legislative district, Rep. Vito Barbieri. Longtime local businessmen Ed Morse and Mark Fisher have jointly announced their legislative bids, with Morse challenging Hart and Fisher challenging Barbieri. The primary election is May 15.
Otter says he’ll seek third term as governor
Idaho Gov. Butch Otter dropped something of a bombshell at a campaign fundraiser this week in Coeur d’Alene: He said he’ll run for a third term as governor in 2014. “He was pretty emphatic about it,” said Otter’s press secretary, Jon Hanian.
Idaho Gov. Otter says he’ll seek 3rd term
Idaho Gov. Butch Otter dropped something of a bombshell at a campaign fundraiser last night in Coeur d’Alene: He said he’ll run for a third term as governor in 2014.