Otter names lobbyist as campaign manager

Gov. Butch Otter may not have a campaign — or an announced one, at least.

But he has a campaign manager.

On Tuesday, Otter named Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry vice president Jayson Ronk to head his campaign. It’s another signal that Otter plans to make good on his stated intent to seek a third term in 2014.

Here’s more on the announcement from Todd Dvorak of the Associated Press.

During the 2013 session, Otter and IACI found themselves somewhat at odds over one of the year’s big issues: repealing the “personal property tax” on business equipment and furnishings. IACI, which represents many of the state’s biggest businesses, favored a completed repeal, which would have cost some $120 million over several years. Otter and the Legislature favored a partial, $20 million repeal — which eliminated the tax for most businesses, but limited the impact on schools and other local government services. Education groups favored the partial repeal.

Click here for more backstory on Otter’s fundraising — and other highlights from the midyear campaign finance reports.

Kevin Richert

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]

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