Butch Otter Files Papers Announcing Intentions To Run For Governor

[Freddie Stubbs]

By Scott Logan

Boise, ID - Congressman Butch Otter says he's running for governor in 2006 not because he's tired of Washington DC, but because he loves Idaho.


"I was born and raised here," the Republican U.S. Representative told Idaho 2 News in an exclusive interview. "I've served the state in many capacities and I want to serve it in one more."


The 62-year-old Caldwell native, who ran for governor in 1978 and lost, says he's always wanted the job. "I think I have a lot to offer the state," Otter said. "And I have more to offer now after having served as lieutenant governor for 14 years, and representing the western half of state in Congress. I'm qualified to run and I want to be part of the leadership of this state."
Especially now, he says, when governors have more power than in the past.

"A lot more responsibilities that rightfully belong to the state have come back to the states under the Bush administration," Otter said.

more: http://www.kbcitv.com/x5154.xml?ParentPageID=x5157&ContentID=x60478&Layout=KBCI.xsl&AdGroupID=x5154

[IDemo]

1. Better Butch than the repub alternative, Risch

Unless the Idaho Dems can conjure up a candidate by 2005, it looks like I will be forced to vote for a guy named "Butch" with a drunk driving arrest and a history of destroying natural wetlands in the name of private property rights, not once but twice.

It's Otter or Jim Risch. What a choice. Longtime Idahoans may remember when Risch and cohort Tom Stivers virtually ruled the Idaho Statehouse. If Kempthorne is given Bush's EPA post, Risch, now Lieutenant Governor, will be the incumbent.

Come on, Idaho Democratic Party! Can you deliver a candidate other than Alan Blinken this time? Anybody??

[Lenape85]

2. Forced to vote!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

Do a write-in if the Idaho Dems can't field a candidate

[Lenape85]

3. bump

[CatholicEdHead]

4. As a libertarian Republican

Otter is better than many current GOP power brokers. He has come out against the Patriot Act quite a few times. He is closer to the "Conservative" label than may Republicans.

Considering it is Idaho and the Democratic Party has a long way to go in the government, a Libertarian Republican is better than a NeoConservative Republican, and is a lesser of two evils in a way.