Kempthorne Wins Primary With Ease

Wed., May 27, 1998

From Staff

Dirk Kempthorne easily won his Idaho primary election challenge in an attempt to claim the governor’s office.

Kempthorne was leading with 88 percent of the vote late Tuesday against perennial candidate David Shepherd.

Idaho’s junior U.S. senator, Kempthorne is leaving that office for a chance to run against Democrat Robert Huntley in November’s general election. The winner will replace retiring Gov. Phil Batt.

Huntley faced three political newcomers on the primary ballot. He had claimed 68 percent of the vote late Tuesday.

In congressional races, Republicans Helen Chenoweth and Mike Crapo easily won their primary contests. Each faced only token opposition.

Chenoweth will face Boise attorney Dan Williams in the general election for the U.S. House of Representatives. Williams unsuccessfully challenged Chenoweth in 1996.

Crapo will face Democrat Bill Mauk in November in the fight for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Kempthorne. Mauk faced no competition in Tuesday’s primary.

In Kootenai County, Republican Commissioner Ron Rankin was fending off a tough challenge from appraiser Jim Sinsley. With a victory, Rankin would face Democrat Rob Beck in November. Beck was well ahead of party fixture Cecil Kelly Tuesday night.

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