Friday — May 21, 2004

Vote Tuesday

Republicans, Democrats have two choices in Primary Election

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By GREG STAHL
Express Staff Writer

Blaine County voters have some choices to make on Tuesday, May 25.

Polls for the Primary Election open throughout Blaine County at 8 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Ballots include two local contested races. Bellevue residents will have the opportunity to cast a second ballot to weigh in on a proposed tax hike. And the Bellevue Cemetery District also is requesting a tax increase.

Because it is a primary election, voters will have to choose whether to vote on the Democratic or Republican tickets.

The only contested races on the Democratic ticket are for U.S. president and Blaine County Commissioner.

Former Blaine County Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman Tom Bowman is challenging incumbent Blaine County Commissioner Mary Ann Mix for her job. The winner will get a pass at the Nov. 2 general election because no Republican candidates have filed.

John Kerry, Dennis Kucinich and Al Sharpton round out the presidential candidates Democratic voters will face, but "it’s all for show" in the words of one Idaho Secretary of State office employee. Idaho Democrats overwhelmingly supported John Kerry in the Feb. 24 Idaho caucus, and it is only by a quirk of state law that Democrats must face presidential candidates twice.

All other candidates on the Democratic ticket are unopposed. Former Idaho Sen. Lin Whitworth will have a pass in the primary before challenging U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson in the fall general election. State Sen. Clint Stennett and state Rep. Wendy Jaquet are unopposed in the primary and general elections. Gooding resident Donna Pence will enjoy a pass before facing incumbent state Rep. Tim Ridinger in the fall. Blaine County Prosecuting Attorney Jim Thomas is unopposed in the primary and general elections.

The only contested race on the Republican primary ticket is for Blaine County Sheriff. Hailey Patrol Officer Steve England is challenging 17-year incumbent Sheriff Walt Femling. The winner of the contest will face Hailey Police Lt. Jeff Gunter, a Democrat, in the Nov. 2 general election. Gunter is unopposed in the primary on the Democratic ticket.

All other candidates on the Republican primary ticket are unopposed in the May 25 election. Incumbent President George W. Bush, Sen. Mike Crapo, Rep. Mike Simpson and Idaho Rep. Tim Ridinger will receive free passes to the general election.

 

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