The 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Idaho were held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 and elected two U.S. representatives, one from each of the state's two congressional districts. The elections coincided with those of other federal and state offices, including a quadrennial presidential election. Candidate filing took place between February 27 and March 9, 2012. Primary elections were held on May 15, 2012.[1]
Overviewedit
United States House of Representatives elections in Idaho, 2012[2]
Although Idaho's overall population grew by more than 20 percent during the period between 2000 and 2010, more significant growth elsewhere meant the state did not gain extra representation in the House of Representatives, instead remaining at two seats. The 2010 United States census found that the population of the 1st district, which previously comprised the state's western and northern counties, as well as parts of Ada County including much of western Boise, had 116,278 more residents than the 2nd district, which included the rest of Boise, the Magic Valley region and the state's eastern counties. This shift in population meant that the 2nd district, currently represented by RepublicanMike Simpson, would include more of Ada County beginning in 2012 and up through the 2020 Congressional election.[3]
In October 2011 the Idaho Commission on Redistricting approved by a 4-2 vote a Congressional district map which moved the district boundary in Boise west from Cole Road to Cloverdale Road. This placed almost all of Boise in the 2nd district, with only a few far western neighborhoods remaining in the 1st district. Other Ada County cities including Meridian, Eagle, Star, Kuna and Garden City remained in the 1st district. No changes were made to Congressional district boundaries outside Ada County.[4]
On January 18, 2012, the Idaho Supreme Court struck down the redistricting plan approved by the Commission on Redistricting in October 2011 on the grounds that it violated the Idaho Constitution. The commission reconvened on January 26, 2012, to make necessary revisions which were approved the following day. The commission's January 2012 changes dealt solely with state legislative districts, leaving the original Congressional redistricting plan intact.[5]
District 1edit
Republican Raúl Labrador, who was first elected to represent the 1st district in 2010, will run for re-election.
^ abc"2012 General Results statewide". Idaho Secretary of State Election Division. Retrieved March 29, 2013.
^Iverson-Long, Brad (March 11, 2011). "Census population data will spur redistricting". IdahoReporter.com. Archived from the original on March 17, 2011. Retrieved April 24, 2011.
^Adopted Redistricting Plans Archived 2012-05-01 at the Wayback Machine (accessed 2 February 2012)
^Idaho State Legislature - Redistricting Commission - News - Updates Archived 2012-05-01 at the Wayback Machine (accessed 2 February 2012)
^Macz, Brandon (March 9, 2012). "Labrador faces Moscow challenger in May primary". Moscow-Pullman Daily News. Retrieved March 11, 2012.
^Trygstad, Kyle (October 18, 2011). "Ex-NFL Player to Challenge Labrador in Idaho". Roll Call. Retrieved October 22, 2011.
^ abcdHurst, Dustin (March 10, 2012). "LeFavour joins crowded congressional race, McGeachin does not". Idaho Reporter. Retrieved March 11, 2012.
^Orr, Patrick (April 6, 2012). "Judge orders a mental health evaluation for Cynthia Clinkingbeard". Idaho Statesman. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
^Trygstad, Kyle (December 16, 2010). "Idaho's Minnick Says He's Done for Good". Roll Call. Retrieved April 24, 2011.
^Butts, Mike (February 28, 2012). "Rob Oates to run for Congress". The Idaho Press-Tribune. Retrieved March 11, 2012.
^ abCockerham, Sean (March 28, 2012). "Boise Sen. Nicole LeFavour calls race for Congress less 'soul-wrenching'". Idaho Statesman. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
External linksedit
State of Idaho, Office of Elections government site
Idaho Votes government site
United States House of Representatives elections in Idaho, 2012 at Ballotpedia
Idaho U.S. House at OurCampaigns.com
Campaign contributions for U.S. Congressional races in Idaho at OpenSecrets