Nonini Gone Wild: Tyler Jettisoned

(State Rep. Bob) Nonini, who didn’t return a reporter’s calls Tuesday, also played a key role in persuading his neighbor, Jeff Tyler, pictured, to run for the House seat Nonini is leaving to run for the Senate this year. But then, after donating early on to Tyler’s campaign, Nonini withdrew his endorsement. Tyler had to change his website, leaving a blank where Nonini’s endorsement formerly was listed and cropping out most of Nonini – leaving just a bit of shoulder – in a picture of Tyler with Nonini and Rep. Frank Henderson, R-Post Falls. “Before I decided to run, I felt he was 100 percent behind me,” Tyler said. “Not knowing which one of us will win, he wants to have a good relationship with either one of us. … I can respect that.” Henderson has continued to support Tyler, and has been campaigning with him. Sen. Jim Hammond, R-Coeur d’Alene, who is retiring from the Senate this year, said, “It’s kinda nuts up here”/ Betsy Russell , Eye On Boise. More here.

DFO: Betsy Russell has written a primer here re: Bob Nonini’s political shenanigans and North Idaho Republicans gone wild. Must read.

Question: Is Nonini trying to win allies now for a future run at statewide office?