Results of PaleoMedia.org races to watch

Initial analysis of last night’s primary shows some mixed results. Hot races in the unsettled territory between West Boise and Oregon, or at least from Boise to Caldwell, ended up all over the map. Moyle drew out his rural base in north Boise Valley but Boise businessman Chuck Winder also landed the Senate seat there. In Meridian proper, McKague held on, but west of there, in Wilder country, former bureaucrat Takasugi managed to defeat the red-baiting rhetoric of Otter appointee Bowers.

Miners heading back to Silver Valley

Boom in metals is drawing former Silver Valley residents back to the shafts. Ski bums don’t stand a chance. Geranios, AP in the Times-News.

Eight Idaho counties to use new voting system

Eight Idaho counties will use new balloting systems on Tuesday, including Idaho’s most populous county.

Elections offices in Ada, Blaine, Cassia, Latah, Lemhi, Madison and Teton counties are using brand new bubble (think SAT) or “arrow” ballots and optical scan vote counters in Tuesday’s Primary Election…

Otter not picking in Meridian Senate race

Gov. Otter has no favorite in Meridian Senate primary battle. Rep. Mark Snodgrass is challenging Sen. Shirley McKague, who was appointed to the Senate by Otter. Otter spokesman: “He has two friends in the race.” And Hartnett and Ellsworth in 18…

Risch “tax cut” was a shift

Senate candidate Jim Risch’s claims that he cut $200 million in taxes questioned. State economist calls it a shift from property to sales tax. Democratic opponent Larry LaRocco: “It’s a lie.” GOP opponent Phenneger: “It’s a half-truth.” Risch: I was just talking…

Significant wolf season proposed

428 wolf culls proposed. More than originally planned, but could be stopped by Montana judge. Cal Groen, Fish and Game Department director: “We’re looking at a wolf population today at least five times above the federal management standards. We made a…

Beck will take stab at GOP chairman

Rod Beck will challenge Idaho GOP chairman Kirk Sullivan at the party convention in June. Boise water lobbyist and former U.S. House candidate Norm Semanko had considered a run but will only stand for election if Sullivan is doomed. Beck: “I…

More hot races

From Caldwell, blogging at Voices.IdahoStatesman.com (do I hear voices?), Prof. Jasper LiCalzi handicaps the Treasure Valley races. LiCalzi is not afraid to be wrong. He calls Canyon County for Bowers (who had someone knock on his door), Thayn who may benefit…

Farm Bill gives me nada for my corn

A couple of years ago I called Idaho potato magnate J. R. Simplot to ask him about farm subsidies. There was an Associated Press story coming across the wire that listed billionaire-farmer Simplot as one of the largest recipients of government farm subsidies in the country, and since Simplot is a major player in southwest Idaho, my editor wanted his side of the story.

Risch mum on Craig

Candidate Jim Risch has nothing to say about Sen. Larry Craig. Risch: “There’s nothing I can say about that situation that would advance the matter. I’m looking forward, I’m not looking backward.” Candidate Neal Thompson: “Neal’s not gonna go there. He’s…