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.
Overview United States House of Representatives elections in Idaho, 2012PartyVotesPercentageSeats+/– Republican 406,814 64.04% 2 - Democratic 208,297 32.79% 0 - Libertarian 12,265 1.93% 0 - Independents 7,607 1.20% 0 — Write-ins 235 0.04% 0 — Totals 635,218 100.00% 2 —
Redistricting 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 Republican Mike Simpson, would include more of Ada County beginning in 2012 and up through the 2020 Congressional election.
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.Adopted Redistricting Plans (accessed 2 February 2012)
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.Idaho State Legislature - Redistricting Commission - News - Updates (accessed 2 February 2012)
District 1
Republican Raúl Labrador, who was first elected to represent the 1st district in 2010, will run for re-election.
Republican primary Candidates Nominee Raúl Labrador, incumbent U.S. Representative
Eliminated in primary Reed McCandless, truck driver
Primary results
Democratic primary Candidates Nominee Jimmy Farris, former NFL player
Eliminated in primary Cynthia Clinkingbeard, former physician and college professor
Declined Walt Minnick, former U.S. Representative
Primary results
Libertarian primary Candidates Nominee Rob Oates, chairman of the Libertarian Party of Idaho and former member of the Caldwell City Council
Independents Pro-Life, a perennial candidate formerly known as Marvin Richardson, ran as an Independent.
General election Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political Report November 5, 2012 Rothenberg November 2, 2012 Roll Call, November 4, 2012 Sabato's Crystal BallCrystal Ball , November 5, 2012 NY TimesHouse Race Ratings, The New York Times, November 4, 2012RCP, November 4, 2012The Hill November 4, 2012
Results
District 2
Republican Mike Simpson, who had represented the 2nd district since 1999, ran for re-election.
Republican primary Candidates Nominee Mike Simpson, incumbent U.S. Representative
Eliminated in primary Chick Heileson, businessman and candidate for this seat in 2010
Withdrew John Baird, businessman
Declined Janice McGeachin, State representative
Primary results
Democratic primary Candidates Nominee Nicole LeFavour, State Senator
Eliminated in primary Jack Wayne Chappell
Withdrawn Eldon Wallace, nominee for Lieutenant Governor in 2010
Primary results
General election Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political Report November 5, 2012 Rothenberg November 2, 2012 Roll Call November 4, 2012 Sabato's Crystal Ball November 5, 2012 NY Times November 4, 2012RCP November 4, 2012The Hill November 4, 2012
Results
References
External links 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 Outside spending at the Sunlight Foundation