Idaho Democrat and Republican Face Off in Run for Superintendent

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — After securing a surprise victory in Idaho's Republican primary, Sherri Ybarra now moves up to face Democratic challenger and political veteran Jana Jones in the race for Idaho's top education post. Unlike the three GOP newcomers Ybarra competed against in the May primary, Ybarra's opponent in November's general election comes with statewide name recognition and has already significantly outraised and outspent her Republican contender. The GOP candidate is also still considered relatively unknown. During a GOP unity rally last week, outgoing Republican Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna threw his support behind Ybarra, but not before adding she is "someone we are all going to spend some time getting to know." Ybarra raised just under $3,000 in the primary election, mostly from friends and family from Mountain Home, where she works as a curriculum director for the school district.