The 2010 Idaho gubernatorial election was held on Tuesday, November 2, 2010, to elect the Governor of Idaho. Incumbent Republican Governor Butch Otter won re-election, defeating his Democratic opponent Keith G. Allred.
A former lieutenant governor and U.S. representative, Otter won an open seat race in 2006 against Democratic Party nominee Jerry Brady with 52.67% of the vote.
Republican primary
Candidates Walt Bayes, perennial candidate Fred Nichols Butch Otter, Governor of Idaho Pete Peterson (endorsed independent candidate Jana Kemp, but still filed for the primary) Rex Rammell, veterinarian, conservative activist and independent candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2008 Sharon Ullman, Ada County Commissioner Tamara Wells
Campaign Both Rammell and Ullman sought support from followers of the Tea Party movement by criticizing Otter's 2009 attempt to raise Idaho's gas tax.
In August 2009, Rammell drew criticism for joking about buying a license to hunt President Barack Obama.
Polling Pollsource Date(s) administered Samplesize Margin oferror WaltBayes ButchOtter Ron"Pete"Peterson RexRammell SharonUllman TamaraWells Un-decided Mason-Dixon (report) May 17–19, 2010 625 ± 4.0% 1% 60% 3% 6% 4% 1% 25%
Results
Democratic primary Candidates Declared Keith G. Allred, activist and mediator Lee Chaney, laborer
Declined Jerry Brady, nominee for governor in 2002 and 2006 Brady done, but other Idaho Dems consider running again Accessed 16 August 2007
Results
Third party candidates
Libertarian Party Ted Dunlap
Independents Jana Kemp, former Republican State Representative Pro-Life (formerly known as Marvin Richardson), organic strawberry farmer, Constitution Party nominee for governor in 2006 and candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2008
General election
Campaign Between January 1 and May 9, 2010, Allred led Otter in fundraising, having raised $241,000 to Otter's $193,000. Allred said, "We are picking up momentum and are right where we want to be." However, Otter limited his fundraising activity while the Idaho Legislature was in session.
Allred has criticized Otter for backing cuts to public education spending, which led the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry to launch a website attacking Allred.
Predictions Source Ranking As of Cook Political Report October 14, 2010 Rothenberg October 28, 2010 RealClearPolitics November 1, 2010 Sabato's Crystal Ball October 28, 2010 CQ Politics October 28, 2010
Polling Poll source Dates administered Butch Otter (R) Keith Allred (D)Rasmussen Reports August 31, 2010 52% 36%Rasmussen Reports July 15, 2010 53% 36%Rasmussen Reports May 11, 2010 54% 32%Rasmussen Reports March 23, 2010 60% 28%
Results
Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican Ada (largest municipality: Boise) Bannock (largest municipality: Pocatello) Nez Perce (Largest city: Lewiston) Shoshone (Largest city: Kellogg) Valley (Largest city: McCall)
References
External links Idaho Office of Elections Idaho Governor Candidates at Project Vote Smart Campaign contributions for 2010 Idaho Governor from Follow the Money Idaho Governor 2010 from OurCampaigns.com 2010 Idaho Gubernatorial General Election graph of multiple polls from Pollster.com Election 2010: Idaho Governor from Rasmussen Reports 2010 Idaho Governor Race: Otter vs. Allred from Real Clear Politics 2010 Idaho Governor's Race from CQ Politics Race Profile in The New York Times Official campaign websites (Archived) Butch Otter for Re-election Rex Rammell for Governor Keith Allred for Governor