The battle to lead the Idaho Republican Party has been joined, with Rod Beck officially declaring his candidacy against Chairman Kirk Sullivan. Beck, a former Idaho state senator and majority leader, has been at odds with Sullivan over an effort to close the state’s currently open GOP primary. Beck wants to close it, arguing the existing system allows ballot-hopping Democrats and Independents to elect more moderate candidates who aren’t committed to Republican ideals. He accuses Sullivan of not faithfully carrying out a state Republican Party rule to close the primary, saying “he’s completely ignored the wishes of the central committee.” The election will be held at the GOP convention in the north Idaho city of Sandpoint next month.
(AP)