Can’t skip election, gotta fund it

As legislative budget writers set the budget for the Idaho Secretary of State’s office this morning, Sen. Brent Hill, R-Rexburg, noted one of the line items. “As much as some people would like to skip the election this year, I think we ought to fund it for $350,000,” he remarked.

Every seat in the Legislature is up for election this year, and the filing period just opened today. As of mid-morning, the first two candidates to file for North Idaho legislative seats were both incumbents – Sen. Joyce Broadsword, R-Sagle, and Sen. Gary Schroeder, R-Moscow, both of whom filed for re-election. Candidates have through 5 p.m. on March 17 to file.

The Secretary of State’s budget won unanimous approval in JFAC, 20-0.