Here’s a roundup of newspaper endorsements in Tuesday’s key Republican primaries:
Spokane Spokesman-Review
State schools superintendent: Andy Grover, Melba School District superintendent. “He is the only superintendent in the race, which gives him an edge in leadership. He’s also the strongest proponent of Common Core principles and student assessments.”
In other endorsements, the Spokesman-Review chose four incumbents — Gov. Butch Otter; Lt. Gov. Brad Little; Attorney General Lawrence Wasden and controller Brandon Woolf. In the open race for secretary of state, the Spokesman-Review endorsed deputy Ada County Clerk Phil McGrane.
Notably, on the legislative front, the Spokesman-Review endorsed Senate Education Committee Chairman John Goedde, R-Coeur d’Alene, and chose challenger Patrick Whalen over incumbent Senate Education Committee member Bob Nonini, R-Coeur d’Alene.
The Times-News, Twin Falls
State superintendent: Randy Jensen, American Falls principal. “Teachers and students need more than a savvy advocate and policy workhorse. They need a full-on cheerleader and maybe a pep band. Jensen’s enthusiasm and love for the job means he’ll spend a lot of time building consensus where it matters, with educators and administrators.”
In other races, The Times-News endorsed Otter, Wasden and McGrane.
Idaho Statesman, Boise
State superintendent: Grover. “Grover sees opportunity instead of controversy with the Idaho Core Standards. He has led his district in that direction, and it is not a stretch to believe he can lead the state.”
In other races, the Statesman endorsed Otter, Little, Wasden, Woolf and McGrane.
Idaho Mountain Express, Ketchum
State superintendent: Grover. “His hands-on experience in managing a school district in a state where state and local cuts have left districts oxygen-deprived could be critical. He holds a master’s degree in education administration — a relief for an office where the previous incumbent was vastly underqualified — and the state suffered for it.”
In other GOP races, the Mountain Express endorsed Otter, Little, Wasden, Woolf and McGrane.
Idaho Press-Tribune, Nampa
In legislative races, the Press-Tribune endorsed Abby Lee over Sen. Monty Pearce, R-New Plymouth, a Senate Education Committee member; and New Plymouth schools superintendent Ryan Kerby for an open House seat in legislative District 9.
