Kevin’s blog

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

Secretary of state: one less candidate

Sen. Marv Hagedorn, R-Meridian, says he has decided to stay put.

Balukoff: a likely gubernatorial candidate?

The official announcement will come Tuesday. But the tea leaves strongly suggest that A.J. Balukoff, a 16-year Boise School Board veteran, will run for governor on the Democratic Party ticket.

‘Tis the season — for WiFi hookups?

Some school officials and IT managers will be working during the Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks, as a contractor tries to roll out WiFi in some 200 schools across Idaho.

Buckner-Webb recovering from stroke

The Boise Democratic senator was hospitalized after her son recognized stroke symptoms during a FaceTime chat on their iPhones.

A Tuesday election filings update

Deputy Ada County clerk Phil McGrane takes a step toward running for secretary of state. And former congressional candidate Jimmy Farris resurfaces.

Nonini hospitalized with flu complications

Sen. Bob Nonini plans to be in Boise for the Jan. 6 start of the legislative session, according to a family friend.

An unspoken issue in Fulcher’s campaign

The state-run health exchange is the focal of state Sen. Russ Fulcher’s challenge to Gov. Butch Otter. Education policy is receiving only passing attention.

An education committee revolving door?

With Branden Durst leaving the Senate, will Boise Democratic Rep. Janie Ward-Engelking get his spot in the Senate, and on the Senate Education Committee?