Gallatin snaps up former CdA mayor and ex Idaho secy of state

Two prominent and newly retired Idaho politicians – longtime Coeur d’Alene Mayor Sandi Bloem and longtime Idaho Secretary of State Ben Ysursa – announced Monday that they’re joining Gallatin Public Affairs, where both will be “of counsel” to the regional public relations and lobbying firm.

Bloem, who was Coeur d’Alene’s longest-serving and first woman mayor, served from 2002 to 2014. “Working with Gallatin allows me to remain involved with people and issues I care most about,” she said.

Ysursa, who was Idaho’s Secretary of State for the past 12 years and had worked 40 years in the office, said, “I know and respect many members of the Gallatin team and appreciate their commitment to bipartisanship and common sense problem solving.”

The two are taking positions similar to what other longtime former elected officials have taken with the firm, from former Idaho Gov. Cecil Andrus to former longtime Portland Mayor Vera Katz.

Gallatin has offices in Washington, Idaho and Oregon.