Kempthorne Endorses Ward Bid

Kempthorne said he’s known Ward since he graduated from Boise State University, and went to work on Kempthorne’s Senate campaign 18 years ago. Ward went on to work on Kempthorne’s Senate staff, then joined the Marines and served in combat in both Iraq and Afghanistan, earning the Bronze Star for his service in Fallujah. “I gave him the oath of office when he became a second lieutenant,” Kempthorne said. “We’ve spent so much time together over the last 18 years. … He has such a passion for service”/ Betsy Russell , Eye On Boise. More here . And: Dan Popkey’s report here .

• 75-80 state workers have dropped insurance since premium hike /Eye On Boise
• Tighter DUI standards introduced in Senate /Brad Iverson-Long, Idaho Reporter

Question: Does Kempthorne’s endorsement make Ward a shoe-in to win the Repub nod for a chance to take on Dem Walt Minnick this fall?