Idaho Election Results

Elections officials say yesterday will likely be the lowest turnout in state history as far as elections go.  If true, that means less than 25 percent of Idaho's roughly 750,000 registered voters cast ballots.  Idaho Sec. of State Ben Ysursa says he believes the diminished numbers are directly connected to Idaho's newly-closed Republican primary, among other changes for 2012. That sentiment was somewhat echoed by Idaho Gov.  Butch Otter.   However, instead of blaming the closed primary entirely, Otter explained the low numbers in a different way -- saying Idaho's newly established 2012 Presidential Caucus in March likely took much of the enthusiasm from the May polls.  Yet, despite what some might say is decreased enthusiasm, Tuesday's election saw several major political battles decided.

U.S. House Dist. 2 – Republican, Incumbent U.S. Congressman Mike Simpson defeated Tea Party-backed challenger Chick Heileson. Analysts had said the race could be a signpost of the growing influence of Tea Party politics in the Gem State.

U.S. House Dist. 2 - DEM
Former state Senator Nicole LeFavour won her bid against Jack Chappell. LeFavour, who left the state senate after publicly bemoaning the lack of progress for the Democratic party, will go on to challenge Mike Simpson.

House Dist. 8 - GOP

Incumbent Congressman Ken Roberts defeated challengers John Blattler and Dan Davis. Top House Republicans Lawerence Denney and Mike Moyle contributed thousands to try and oust Roberts, who they felt was a threat to leadership.

Senate Dist 23 - GOP

Incumbent Senator Tim Corder Sr. lost his seat to Owyhee County Rancher Bert Brackett. Corder, who is from Mountain Home, was targeted as a moderate by Brackett, who received thousands in political contributions from conservative-aligned groups.

Representative Dist. 23 GOP

Pete Neilsen won out over two challengers.  Nielsen got nearly 46 percent of the vote compared to challenger Matt Bundy who got nearly 31 percent and Steve Millington to got just over 23 percent.

Senate Dist 27 - GOP

Longtime JFAC Chairman and moderate Republican Dean Cameron held onto his seat in a close race against Douglas Pickett. Pickett, who billed himself as the more conservative challenger, gathered 2,900 votes. Cameron took 3,773 votes.