Ex-Idaho Lawmaker Fails to Buy Back Athol Log Home

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A former Idaho state lawmaker's Athol home will be auctioned off for a second time after he failed to make payments on his bid to buy back the home from the IRS.

The Spokesman-Review reports that an IRS spokesman says former Rep. Phil Hart didn't meet an extended deadline to pay in full by Nov. 12. The auction will be scheduled sometime next year. Hart's attorney said in court documents that his client was experiencing problems with getting title insurance. But the government blamed the delays on Hart.

The IRS seized Hart's log home to help pay off his $586,000 in tax debt. Hart was the highest bidder at an October public auction, offering more than $202,000 for the 10-acre property. He could bid again in the next auction.