March 19, 2004
The 2004 primary election seems to have already been underway for ages, but as of 5 p.m. today the final deadline passed and the names of all the candidates to appear on the ballot are in, and only one local race is going unchallenged.
For Commissioner District 2, incumbent Walt Kirby (R) will face Kevin Lederhos (R), and Tom Vinion (R). For the District 3 commission seat, incumbent Dan Dinning (R) is running unopposed. Newly appointed county clerk Glenda Poston (D) is being challenged by Dolores Sweet (R).
In the race for Sheriff, Jeff Ennis (R), Greg Sprungl (R), Kevin McDonald (D) and Geoff Palmer (I) are challenging incumbent George Voyles (R). In the race for prosecutor, Tim Wilson (R) is challenging incumbent Jack Douglas (R).
Seeking slots as precinct committeemen for the Republican Party are Carrie Figgins, Valley View, Ken Irons, Kootenai, Greg Mead, North Bonners Ferry, and Mary Ann Luedtke and Bob Vickaryous are seeking the nod for the Copeland Precinct. For the Democratic Party, Francis “Julian” Bucher is running for the Copeland Precinct, Cleve Shearer for the Kootenai Precinct, Jan Studer for the North Bonners Ferry Precinct, Dave Anderson for the Valley View precinct and Russ Docherty for the Bonners Ferry Precinct.
For the first time, there will be a three-party primary ballot as the sole Libertarian candidate, Frank Reichert, seeks the precinct committeeman slot for the Valley View Precinct.
On state ballots, George Bush will be the only name appearing as Republican presidential candidate. For Democrat, state ballots will list John Kerry, Al Sharpton and Dennis Kucinich. Incumbent District 1 Congressman C.L. “Butch” Otter (R) will face Naomi Preston (D), and Lynn Whitworth (D) will challenge incumbent District 2 Congressman Mike Simpson (R). District 1 Senator Mike Crapo (R) is running unopposed.
To keep up to date on this year's primary, be sure to visit and bookmark the Boundary County 2004 Primary site.