Idaho’s General Election Expected To Be Dull

The next general election in Idaho may be one of the dullest ever.

That’s why politicians are keeping a close eye on Gov. Phil Batt. If Batt decides to seek a second term next year, as now appears likely, other top office holders are likely to stay put.

With strong incumbents in many positions, and the Idaho Democratic Party still very weak, the biggest battles are likely to be in the GOP primary election.

Batt is back to work after recovering from back surgery and is obviously enjoying the job.

Batt turned 70 in March and would be nearly 76 by the end of a second four-year term. But age wasn’t a factor in the last election when Batt ran against Democrat Larry EchoHawk, 22 years his junior, and there’s no reason to think it would be a factor in the upcoming election.

If Batt stays put, GOP Sen. Dirk Kempthorne would seek a second six-year term in the Senate instead of considering a bid for governor. In the 2nd Congressional District, Republican Mike Crapo would run for a fourth congressional term instead of running for the Senate if Kempthorne vacated the seat.

And both should easily win.

So far, 1st District Rep. Helen Chenoweth faces the only serious challenge in the GOP primary from Coeur d’Alene businessman Tony Paquin. Paquin hasn’t formally announced yet, but he’s out meeting people, making press statements and testing the waters.

Usually by 12 months before the next primary, there’s at least an indication of who wants to run. With the need to raise huge amounts of money for a credible campaign, anybody who wants to run for governor or a congressional seat has to start early.

And there’s nobody out there yet. There isn’t even the hint of an opponent for Batt, should he declare for a second term.

Despite the brave talk from new Democratic Party Chairman A.K. Leinhart-Minnick, there’s no sign the party is coming back from its smashing defeats in the past two elections.

And a Democratic opponent of major stature for Batt? Forget it.

The Batt-induced election apathy could mean the races for the other state offices will generate the only excitement next year. And traditionally it’s been hard to get voters interested in the minor state offices.

Attorney General Alan Lance appears safe.

State Schools Superintendent Anne Fox will be in for a major battle to win another four-year term. Several Republicans have indicated an interest in running against her, making some educators fear that there will be so many candidates lined up against Fox they will dilute the vote against her.

Democrats also have talked about focusing much of their effort in 1998 on that office.

State Auditor J.D. Williams, the only major Democrat to avoid defeat in the GOP landslide in 1994, is expected to seek another term and will be a priority target for the Republicans.

Treasurer Lydia Justice Edwards is widely rumored to be retiring at the end of her third term, but she hasn’t made a declaration yet.

Secretary of State Pete Cenarrusa turns 80 this year and will set a record for a statewide official in July with more than 30 years in the position. At a Statehouse party this past week commemorating his appointment in 1967, Cenarrusa refused to say whether he will seek another term.

Lt. Gov. Butch Otter still hopes to run for governor but won’t make the race with Batt in the picture.

So anyone looking for some political excitement through November of 1998 had better hope that initiatives surface on taxes or social issues like gay rights and abortion because it doesn’t appear the candidates will provide any.