January 12, 2006
The Futures Market: Idaho
ID's political landscape is best summed up in our update of House Min. Leader Wendy Jaquet (D). She's just "trying to keep" Dems "in the game," though that's proved a near impossibility. With Dems legitimately vying for just one statewide office, this red state keeps getting redder. Further, GOPers seem to have a derth of experienced staffers who continue to work both in-state and in DC, moving on to bigger and better things. Training in an environment where mistakes won't kill you, it would seem, pays off. [REID WILSON]
The stars we've been watching since '03:
Sen. Larry Craig Systems Admin. Jason Bohrer: Formerly the Gov't Affairs Dir. for the ID GOP, he's now back in DC going to law school.
Gov. Dirk Kempthorne aide Brad Christensen: The ex-ID College GOP pres. is now Kempthorne's personal aide.
Sen. Crapo N. ID Dir. Matt Ellsworth (R): "Quite active," still working for Crapo. Managing re-elect
Ex-ID GOP Exec Dir. Jason Lehosit: Now running Keith Johnson's Cong. bid in ID 01.
ID GOP Exec. Dir. Scott Phillips: Managing Shelia Sorenson's campaign
Atty. Jason Risch (R): Son of LG Jim Risch, he's back in private practice after serving as the Canyon Co. Prosecutor.
Sen. Mike Crapo Legislative Assistant Ryan White (R): Formerly LG Jim Risch's CoS, he's now back in DC.
Boise Mayor Dave Bieter (D): A State Rep. when we first profiled him, GOPers think Bieter's running for higher office. Dems, though, say he loves being mayor and it's "hard to imagine him taking the next step."
House Min. Leader Wendy Jaquet (D): "Plodding along, trying to keep"
Dems "in the game."
State Sen. Bert Marley (D): Running for Supt of Public Instruction, he's seen as Dems' best chance to win a statewide office. GOPers have a competitive primary, and Marley is well-positioned to hold the seat for Dems.
'02 LG nom./Atty Bruce Perry (D): While everyone agrees that he ran a good race in such a red state, some say he may run again while others think "he's gone."
'02 ID 01 nom./ex-U.S. Atty Betty Richardson (D): Back in private practice. "I wouldn't see her getting back in for a while."
'02 AG nom./Atty Keith Roark (D): "I have not heard his name kicked around." "He's disappeared" after a disappointing showing in '02.
State Sen. Clint Stennett (D): Min Leader, thinking about an LG bid. "He toys with running for statewide office," but he "has trouble pulling the trigger."
And the ones to watch in the future:
State Sen. Shawn Keough (R): One of the youngest members in the legislature, moderate but fiscal conservative "Real solid, smart woman." Trying to increase her name recognition, but being from the panhandle makes it difficult.
State Sen. Brad Little (R): The Sen's GOP Caucus chair and a rancher, he's "a real cowboy but also real savvy." "A promising guy." "He has
bigger aspirations."
Otter manager Jeff Malmen: "One of the most sought-after campaign managers in the state," he's had a hand in the elections of the last two Govs.
Ex-RNC Regional Dir. Mike Reynoldson: Now a lobbyist at Micron Technology, largest employer in ID, he's "very well liked, very politically savvy." "Could be a candidate down the road or a major player behind the scenes."
ID Conservation League lobbyist Lauren McLean (D): Rumored to be considering a bid for the legislature, but even if she doesn't run, "she's somebody to watch."
State Sen. David Langhorst (D): "Real smart, real centrist." "He is definatly one of our rising stars."
Coeur d'Alene City Councilman Mike Kennedy (D): A long-time operative, the council is a "perfect spot for him to jump off."
State Sen. Kate Kelly (D): An atty, Kelly "has a great following" throughout the state.
Posted at 12:52 PM
Comments
I'm surprised there was no mention of Jim Hansen running a grassroots campaign in Idaho's Second Congressional District. Jim is a former state legislator, is the executive director of United Vision for Idaho (UVI), is one of 17 winners of the Ford Foundation's 2005 "Leadership for a Changing World" Awards, and is the son of former Idaho congressman Orville Hansen.
Tom Throop | 02.02.06 12:50 PM
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