Will Tom Luna seek a third term?

State schools superintendent Tom Luna is in no hurry to decide whether he will seek a third term in 2014.

Tom Luna
State superintendent Tom Luna

In an interview with Idaho Education News on Friday, Luna said he will make a decision by the end of the year.

Luna cited two factors that will play into his decision: Gov. Butch Otter’s re-election plans and family considerations.

If Otter decides to seek a third term in 2014, then Luna is more likely to seek a third term himself. But if Otter opts to retire, Luna said he is more likely to step aside.

Luna believes he can forge a good working relationship with the other candidates rumored to be interested in the governor’s post — but he knows he has a good working relationship with Otter, a fellow Republican.

“I don’t think I would want to roll the dice,” Luna says.

The odds, at this point, seem to favor Otter running again. Otter announced his intentions at a December 2011 GOP event in Coeur d’Alene. In February, Otter said he is planning to run — be said he will not be “pushed into a calendar.”

U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador and Lt. Gov. Brad Little are considered possible gubernatorial candidates, although Little is likely to stay put if Otter seeks re-election.

There are no term limits that preclude Luna from running again — at least not in state law. In his household, he said, things aren’t as clearcut.

“This is very difficult on the family, especially in this past year.”

More Sunday: Check back for more from Idaho Education News’ post-session interview with Luna.

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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