Bert Stevenson Retiring from Idaho House

Rep. John A. "Bert" Stevenson, of Rupert has confirmed that he won’t be seeking a ninth term in the Idaho Legislature. Stevenson, who has served eight terms, is the chairman of the House Resources and Conservation committee.  The Times-News reports that he announced that he would not run again at the Twin Falls County Lincoln Day celebration on Saturday night. Had he decided to file, Stevenson would have run against incumbents Representative Fred Wood of Burley, or Representative Scott Bedke, of Oakley, for one of the two house seats in the new District 27. Both Bedke and Wood have said they plan to run for reelection. Stevenson told the news paper last week that he hadn't yet decided if he would seek re-election. While Minidoka County needs a voice in the Legislature, he said, he wasn't sure if he wanted to run against his friends.