Parting Shot — 12.14.11

Deputy Prosecutor Luke Malek talks with Kootenai County GOP matriarch Ruthie Johnson after announcing that he will seek the House District 4A seat held by retiring state Rep. Marge Chadderdon, R-Coeur d’Alene. Ruthie is a member of the State of Idaho Human Rights Commission and Kootenai County GOP CCommitteewoman, serving on the state GOP Central Committee.

Question: Kootenai County Republicans have a superb candidate in Luke Malek for one House District 4 seat. Wouldn’t it be nice if they can find a candidate of similar caliber to challenge hard-liner Rep. Kathy Sims, R-Coeur d’Alene, for the other House seat?