North Idaho Lawmaker Appointed to powerful budget committee

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Republican state Sen. Shawn Keough of Sandpoint has been appointed to co-chair Idaho's powerful budget-setting committee. President Pro Tem Brent Hill of Rexburg on Monday announced that Keough will replace former Sen. Dean Cameron of Rupert, who left the Idaho Legislature earlier this year to lead the state Department of Insurance.

Keough has served 20 years in the Idaho Statehouse, making her the longest serving female senator in Idaho's history. Keough has also served on the joint budget-setting committee since 2000. She will join Republican Rep.

Maxine Bell of Jerome in leading the legislative panel. Committee chairs are coveted positions in the Statehouse because they hold the rare power to kill any bill that crosses their desk.