Lawmaker wants a Day for Idaho

BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- State lawmakers are moving toward making appreciation of Idaho an annual event. Rep. Linden Bateman raised the motion to name March 4 "Idaho Day," addressing members of the House Education Committee with a miniature Idaho flag sticking out of the breast pocket of his suit.

March 4 marks the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln signing the Idaho Territory into law in 1863. Bateman, an Idaho Falls Republican, said the statewide jubilation surrounding Idaho's sesquicentennial last year inspired him to propose a yearly celebration. The motion passed unanimously. If the new bill is ultimately approved, Idaho Day could become a new state tradition in 2015.