In brief: GOP gives Condon $38,000 more

Mayoral candidate David Condon over the weekend got another big lift from the state Republican Party.

The GOP contributed $38,000 to Condon’s campaign on Saturday, according to reports filed to the state Public Disclosure Commission. Late last month, the party gave his campaign $25,000.

Condon, the former district director of Republican U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, is challenging incumbent Mayor Mary Verner in today’s election. Last week, the executive director of the party said the GOP opted to contribute to Condon to help “take out” Verner to prevent her from challenging McMorris Rodgers in the future.

The late contribution takes Condon’s total tally to $288,000. Verner has raised about $125,000. Independent groups have spent about $26,000 on her behalf.

Most contributors are limited to $800 per candidate per election. But loopholes enable political parties to give much more. The state Republican Party received several significant contributions from Condon supporters in August, September and October. A Verner supporter filed a complaint with the PDC last week arguing that the party donations violate contribution limits. The state party says it complied fully with the law.

Jonathan Brunt

Boyfriend arrested in woman’s death

BONNERS FERRY, Idaho – Boundary County officials say a woman was shot to death in her house south of Bonners Ferry and her boyfriend was arrested after calling 911 to report the shooting.

The Sheriff’s Office says 43-year-old Anna Old died Friday. County officials say 61-year-old John August Funkhouser, of Oregon, called 911 at 1:45 p.m. Friday to report the shooting. He was later arrested.

Old’s death is being investigated by the Sheriff’s Office and the Idaho State Police. No charges have been filed.

Associated Press

Emergency test set for Wednesday

A first national test of the Emergency Alert System will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday.

Spokane County officials say the test will follow the same format as local emergency broadcast tests, with lots of beeping and assurances that “this is a test.”

However, the 30-second test will be longer than usual and officials worry that people will call 911 to find out what’s happening.

Don’t do that, they plead.

John Craig