Hawkins Forming Campaign Group

State Sen. Stan Hawkins has formed an exploratory committee of about three dozen people in his bid for the Republican nomination in Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District.

The GOP’s Rep. Michael Crapo is surrendering the seat in a bid for the U.S. Senate job held by Dirk Kempthorne.

Hawkins said he is the only conservative strong enough to keep the seat in Republican hands. Democrat Richard Stallings, who held the seat for four terms ending in 1992, is expected to make the race next year.

State Rep. Mark Stubbs of Twin Falls and former state senators Ann Rydalch and Dane Watkins of Idaho Falls also are working on committees for a possible campaign for the GOP nomination. House Speaker Michael Simpson of Blackfoot is running for the nomination.