Yates wins second term as state GOP chairman

Steve Yates has won a second term as chairman of the Idaho Republican Party, defeating challenges from Kathy Sims and Mike Duff. The vote was reportedly lopsidedly in favor of Yates; just after his victory was announced, Sims took the microphone and said, “I would like to move that the record will reflect a unanimous vote for the new chairman.”

Melinda Smyser, convention vice-chair, told Sims, “Thank you for your statesmanship and for your service in the Legislature.” The convention then passed the motion to make the vote unanimous on a voice vote, and greeted Yates with a standing ovation.