Candidate filings, 3.4.20: Thayn runs again, and will face a familiar foe

Kevin Richert | 03/04/2020

Here are a few Day Three highlights from Idaho’s candidate filing period:

Steven Thayn, R-Emmett, filed to seek an eighth legislative term. He’s vice chairman of the Senate Education Committee, and with Chairman Dean Mortimer retiring, Thayn could be in line to head the committee if he’s re-elected. Thayn will face at least one opponent: Marla Lawson, a Lowman Republican. Thayn defeated Lawson in the 2018 GOP primary.
Several lawmakers who already chair powerful committees are running again: Senate State Affairs Committee Chairwoman Patti Anne Lodge, R-Caldwell; House State Affairs Committee Chairman Steven Harris, R-Meridian; and Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee co-chair Rep. Rick Youngblood, R-Nampa.
Several prominent legislative leaders are also seeking re-election: House Majority Leader Mike Moyle, R-Star; House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel, D-Boise; and Senate Minority Leader Michelle Stennett, D-Ketchum.
In other education committee news, House Education Committee member Judy Boyle, R-Midvale, will seek re-election, as will Senate Education member Dave Lent, R-Idaho Falls.

The filing period runs through Friday, March 13. Check my blog for daily updates.

Kevin Richert

Senior reporter and blogger Kevin Richert specializes in education politics and education policy. He has more than 35 years of experience in Idaho journalism. He is a frequent guest on "Idaho Reports" on Idaho Public Television and "Idaho Matters" on Boise State Public Radio. He can be reached at [email protected]