Most Incumbents Win In Idaho Voting

Incumbent politicians did well across Idaho in Tuesday’s primary, for the most part trouncing same-party challengers.

But there were some rumblings, especially from the right.

With 93 percent of precincts reporting, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Bob Dole garnered 63 percent of GOP votes. But a last-minute swing through southern Idaho helped push arch-conservative Pat Buchanan to 22 percent.

And with 88 percent of precincts reporting, Republican William Levinger’s 32 percent showing against freshman U.S. Rep. Helen Chenoweth (68 percent) was considered surprisingly high and an apparent protest vote against the often-controversial incumbent. Levinger’s last-minute campaign was marred by his hospitalization for a nervous breakdown and his disrobing during a Boise TV appearance.

Among Democratic challengers seeking Chenoweth’s seat, Boise lawyer Dan Williams held a 3-to-1 lead over Murray window washer Matt Alan Lambert.

Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Crapo overwhelmed his same-party challenger, Peter Rickards, by nearly 6-to-1.

Meanwhile, Republican tax activist Ron Rankin appeared to be handily defeating two-term Kootenai County Commissioner Bob Macdonald.

State Sen. Clyde Boatright, a freshman Republican, appeared to be narrowly winning his bid for re-election after a strong challenge from video store owner Tom Daugherty.

Also in Kootenai County, Sheriff Pierce Clegg enjoyed a strong lead over former sheriff’s captain Tom Dickson. A third candidate, Paul Telebar, trailed far behind.

In Bonner County, voters appeared to be approving a nearly $4 million bond for a new jail.

In another closely watched Bonner County race, Republican Sheriff Chip Roos had an early lead. Democratic challengers Pete Robinson and Dave Morgan were running a close race.

But longtime Boundary County Prosecutor Randall Day was upset by former deputy prosecutor Denise Woodbury. The margin of victory: 75 votes.

Late Tuesday, Shoshone County races for sheriff and county commissioner were too close to call, while Benewah County voters went with familiar faces.

, DataTimes