Rep. Patterson allows campaign website domain name to expire

Embattled Idaho Rep. Mark Patterson, R-Boise, has let his campaign website domain name expire, the Idaho Statesman reports, in a sign that he may not seek re-election. Patterson is the freshman lawmaker who recently had his concealed weapons permit revoked for not revealing a 1974 guilty plea and withheld judgment for assault with intent to commit rape; he’s lashed back at Ada County Sheriff Gary Raney, contending the revocation was retaliation for his sponsorship of a controversial gun bill and his scrutiny of the Idaho Sheriffs Association. Even after his concealed weapon permit was revoked, Patterson continues to fall under the exception in Idaho law that lets elected officials carry concealed weapons without a permit.

You can read Idaho Statesman reporter Dan Popkey’s full post here ; Popkey notes that Patterson already has drawn a primary election challenger, longtime Idaho State Police officer and former U.S. Marshal Patrick McDonald, who filed in August to run for the seat in the May GOP primary.