Closed primary lifts veil on boards’ party ties

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Ten people were appointed to Idaho commissions or boards as Democrats or independents but voted as Republicans in the first-ever closed primary on March 15. The Idaho Statesman reports that their votes could make the makeup of three Idaho panels illegal, because switching partisan affiliation at the polls upset a statutory requirement meant to promote partisan balance. The 2012 primary marked the first time in Idaho when a voter's party choice became a public record. The panels affected include the Board of Environmental Quality, which helps set environmental rules for the state. Also off balance are the Commission on Aging and the Economic Advisory Council, which advises the Department of Commerce. Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter is consulting with Attorney General Lawrence Wasden's office on whether board changes are necessary.