Pay to Play: Unopposed Magic Valley Candidate Raises, Spends Big Bucks

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — House Speaker Scott Bedke hasn't faced a legislative opponent, Republican or Democrat, in more than a decade, but that hasn't stopped him from raising and spending tens of thousands of dollars on his caucus and personal expenses.

It's a common practice — and legal under Idaho law — where the legislature's fundraising powerhouses are men and women who don't have challengers, but have overflowing war chests. Campaign finance reports show that Bedke consistently raises the most cash in election years as an unopposed candidate, but he's not alone.

Multiple key members of the Idaho Legislature who have ran unopposed in both primary and general elections for years have raised thousands and spent even more. Bedke says the practice is part of his role as speaker.