Huckleberries Talks With Dan English

• DFO: Why do you think you lost the 2010 clerk’s election?
• Dan English: I’m sure every race had its particular issues. I’m sure there were pro and con issues on mine. I have to look at the big picture. This was going to be a Republican strong year, no matter what. My particular race was part of a bigger picture. I came out better than most but far short of where I normally come out.
• DFO: So are you saying that you’d probably have lost without the Brannon election challenge and the negative stories of the last few days in the Coeur d’Alene Press?
• Dan English: Yes. My margin would have been closer (without those factors). One of the bellwethers for me? When I looked at Mary Lou Shepherd’s (HD2 six-term representative who lost) numbers, I realized that it was an almost impossible year for someone who was either a Democrat or an incumbent. And God help you, if you were both. It might have been 45 to 55 otherwise. I felt good until I saw the absentee vote.
• More below
  

• DFO: Are you ready for retirement?
• Dan English: Absolutely not. I will be doing something else. I don’t know what it is. It’s a little scary. But at the same time, it’s a little exciting to have no idea what the next thing is.
• DFO: Are you going to help Republican Cliff Hayes in the transition?
• Dan English: Absolutely. I called him to congratulate him this morning and to extend an open hand for a positive and orderly transition. I think that’s best for the county — and especially for the employees. He was very gracious. We agreed over next few weeks that he’d come in and meet some folks and see different departments.