March 18, 2004
For
the first time in Boundary County history, the May primary will be a three-party
race, with a single candidate filing a declaration of candidacy position as a
Libertarian.
Frank
Reichert is seeking the Libertarian precinct committeeman position for the
Valley View Precinct.
In
the primary election, voters vote by party to choose the candidates that will
face off in the November general election. With only a single candidate thus far
on the Libertarian ballot, it is unlikely that many voters will opt to vote
Libertarian, but all voters, by law, must be afforded that opportunity.
According
to an Idaho Secretary of State elections spokesman, Canyon County and possibly
one or two other Idaho counties will have three-party primaries. In the state
election of 2002, there was a Libertarian primary ballot fielding candidates in
most races. Currently, according to the Libertarian Party of Idaho website,
Libertarian Richard Linville is the only elected official from the party,
serving as Gem County prosecuting attorney.
It
has not yet been determined how the county will accommodate the Libertarian
party on May’s ballot; either by adding a third choice to the typically
Republican/Democrat ballot or adding a separate sheet to be given each county
voter.
The
deadline for filing declaration of candidacy petitions is 5 p.m. Friday. Thus
far, 18 candidates have filed petitions.
Five
candidates thus far will run for sheriff, though only four names will appear on
the May ballot; on the Republican ballot, incumbent George Voyles will face Greg
Sprungl and Jeff Ennis. Kevin McDonald is the sole Democrat, and Geoff Palmer is
running as an independent. For County Commissioner, District 2, incumbent Walt
Kirby will face Kevin Lederhos on the Republican ballot; in District 3,
incumbent Dan Dinning is thus far unopposed. For prosecutor, incumbent Jack
Douglas will face Tim Wilson on the Republican ballot.
Announcing for precinct committeeman positions thus far are Carrie Figgins, Republican, Valley View; Ken Irons, Republican, Kootenai; Mary Ann Luedtke and Bob Vickaryous, Republican, Copeland; Cleve Shearer, Democrat, Kootenai; Francis “Julien” Bucher, Democrat, Copeland; Russ Docherty, Democrat, Bonners Ferry, and Frank Reichert, Libertarian, Valley View.