The seat-swap that IdahoReporter.com reported last week is officially off.
The swap was set to take place as Sen. Nicole LeFavour, D-Boise, filed with the secretary of state to return to the Idaho House of Representatives. LeFavour said she was planning on encouraging Democrat Brian Cronin from Boise, who also serves in LaFavour's 19th District, to take a run for her Senate position. Rep. Anne Pasley Stuart, D-Boise, surprised everyone when she filed for LeFavour's seat.
That was early last week. Come Friday, according to her blog, LeFavour had decided to stay in the Senate to retain her seat on the Joint Finance-Appropriation Committee, the most powerful group of lawmakers in the Idaho Statehouse.
Then Monday, Pasley-Stuart also shifted course on her election plans. She released this statement:
Some time ago, I made it known that I intended to leave the Idaho House of Representatives at the conclusion of this session. That decision has remained firm.
Serving Idaho as a Representative of District 19 for the past eight years has been a solemn responsibility and an honor. Citizens of District 19 want a government that supports their values — a government that works cooperatively to help solve real problems in the modern world. My work, actions, and votes in the Idaho House were motivated by the belief that responsible government is best achieved when elected officials act honorably and transparently.
When I learned that Ms. LeFavour planned to return to the Idaho House, I filed for the Senate seat she was vacating, with the encouragement of many constituents.
Today, Ms. LeFavour filed for the District 19 Senate seat, rather than a House seat. Although I would enjoy serving in the Idaho Senate, I am unwilling to subject District 19 to unnecessary turmoil in a primary election. A primary campaign would be divisive and the spending irresponsible — resulting in a waste of money and energy that would be far better spent supporting the campaigns of other Democratic candidates in Idaho.
Citizens rightfully expect leaders to set aside their own preferences in situations like this. Therefore, I am withdrawing from the District 19 Senate race.
In recent years, Democrats in District 19 have dominated elections by a 2 to 1 margin. I expect this to continue, as voters continue to listen to their values and support responsible, effective, decisive candidates for public office.
It has been my pleasure to serve District 19. Thank you for your generous support. I look forward to serving the District and Idaho in other capacities.
At the time of writing this story, Pasley-Stuart had not withdrawn her name from the Senate race. Cronin has not yet filed for re-election, though he is expected to do so.
(Note: You can view all election filings on the secretary of state's website here. Filings are updated twice daily.)
