Otter running for Idaho governor

BOISE, Idaho (AP) —U.S. Rep. C.L. “Butch” Otter will run for governor in 2006.

Otter for Idaho filed the necessary paperwork, Aug. 24, with the Secretary of State’s office to form a campaign committee headed by former Gov. Phil Batt.

“Butch Otter is uniquely qualified as governor of the state of Idaho. I am proud to help him in this effort. We will run a vigorous campaign,” Batt said in a prepared statement.

Speculation about a possible Otter run for the governor’s seat has been rampant for months.

“I don’t think it’s any secret that even as congressman, Butch’s heart is with the people of Idaho all the time,” said Jason Lehosit, Otter’s campaign spokesman. “This is just the beginning stage. We’re just going out and starting to raise some money.”

Even Naomi Preston, the Democratic challenger Otter defeated in November for his third term in Congress, said during the race that Otter’s campaign was less about beating her than preparing for the expected showdown in the May 2006 primary against Republican Lt. Gov. James Risch for the right to succeed GOP Gov. Dirk Kempthorne.

Lehosit said the timing of Otter’s filing was because without the filing, Otter could not accept contributions.