Kevin’s blog

Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.

The 2014 campaign money trail … so far

The latest round of campaign finance reports offer a snapshot into several statewide races — but the documents shed very little light on the ever-changing race for state schools superintendent.

Thayn ‘not planning’ statewide run

The Emmett Republican is all but ruling out a run for state superintendent — but he says there is a “very small chance” he would reconsider.

Twenty questions, more or less, on SBAC

Do you have questions about a new test aligned to the Idaho Core Standards? State Sen. Steven Thayn has a passel of them.

Video: ‘Making the Grade,’ Jan. 29

Talking over the superintendent’s election shuffle — and more — with Michelle Edmonds of KIVI and KNIN.

Some social media soul-searching

Former state Rep. Steve Smylie narrowly lost to Tom Luna in the 2006 GOP primary. With Luna out of the picture, Smylie is asking his Facebook friends about another run for state superintendent.

Freedom Foundation writes a budget

The Idaho Freedom Foundation’s blueprint would put no money into recommendations from Gov. Butch Otter’s education reform task force — even though the group’s own survey of teachers found strong support for the recommendations.

Thayn, Thompson eye superintendent’s run

With state superintendent Tom Luna out of the running, Rep. Jeff Thompson and Sen. Steven Thayn both say they are giving the race a look. Melinda Smyser — a former legislator, school counselor and Parma School Board member — says she has decided against a run.