The speaker of the Idaho House of Representatives has jumped into the race for state lieutenant governor.
Republican Scott Bedke says he’s ready for a new challenge after 21 years as a state representative and nine as the leader of the House. He’s the longest-tenured speaker in state history.Bedke says Idaho needs its number two elected official in the state to be an experienced player as it navigates rapid growth.
“We’re going to have growing pains in the areas of education, transportation, natural resources and tax policy and those are the very areas where I’ve spent my entire legislative career, doing a deep dive in each of those subject areas and striking compromises, getting solutions, getting results in each of those areas," he said.
Bedke is the third candidate to file for lieutenant governor, joining former state Rep. Luke Malek [R-Coeur d'Alene]and current Rep. Priscilla Giddings. All are Republicans.
The current lieutenant governor, Janice McGeachin, is challenging Brad Little in the Republican primary for governor.
