From The Statehouse

Judd elected to leadership post

Rep. June Judd of St. Maries was elected assistant minority leader Monday by the House Democrats.

Judd steps into the leadership position vacated by Rep. Larry Watson, who left the Legislature to join the state Tax Commission.“I decided to run because in the minority leadership there isn’t anyone from North Idaho,” Judd said.

Judd is in her fifth term with the Legislature. She represents District 7, which includes Benewah, Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis and Nez Perce counties. Judd has lived in four of the six counties in the district.

She feels that because she has lived in these areas she will be able to voice the concerns of citizens there.

“I know it’ll be a little extra work,” Judd said. “But, we’ll give it a try.”

Service for Stoicheff on Tuesday

State senators and representatives will remember Rep. Jim Stoicheff in a memorial service on Tuesday in the House chambers.

The service, which was rescheduled as the state legislative session was pushed back until next week due to the unexpected death of Senate President Pro-tem Jerry Twiggs, will begin at 10 a.m.

Funeral services for Stoicheff, a Sandpoint Democrat, were held last month.

Stoicheff was a well-respected Democrat in a House governed by Republicans. He had served as a lawmaker since 1969, and was sometimes called the conscience of the Legislature.

Stoicheff died of heart failure on Dec. 18 at age 72. His wife, Jerry Stoicheff, was appointed to his legislative seat to serve the remainder of his term.