Crow Won’T Run For Re-Election

Sen. Gordon Crow, R-Hayden, said he will not seek re-election this year, citing the need to spend more time with his family.

“While being allowed to serve in the Idaho state Senate has been one of the most wonderful experiences of my life,” Crow said, “I have made this decision based on the two most important people in my life, my wife Sandy, and our son, Andrew.”

Crow said that six years and three terms was enough - for now.

“My son will graduate in 11 years from high school,” he said. “Then I figure I can come back and be sagely and wise.”

Crow is the chairman of the Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee. He also serves on the Senate Health and Welfare Committee.

“It’s been a lot of fun working with him. He’s very knowledgeable,” said Sen. Marguerite McLaughlin, D-Orofino, who also serves on the Human Resources Committee. “He’s fair and open to comments from all the members.”

Crow is perhaps best known in Boise as one of the chief architects of welfare reform. He carried much of the legislation for the reforms made in 1995 and 1996. He is also a key player in the ongoing Medicaid reforms that began in 1996.

“Sandy and Andrew have been my greatest supporters over the past six years,” Crow said. “Over those years, they have set aside many of their own needs and desires so that I might serve in the Senate. Now it’s their turn.”

Crow is also director of the Silver Valley Economic Development Corp.