Predictably, the campaign spokesmen for Gov. Butch Otter and for Democratic challenger Keith Allred have different takes on the recent Rasmussen poll results, which show Otter with a big lead. Debbie Field, Otter's campaign manager, says in a news release, "Idahoans know that Butch is doing a great job for the Gem State" despite recent suggestions his approval ratings are slipping. “Our Governor has had to make some of the toughest decisions ever facing Idaho,” Field said.  “The Idaho Constitution says he has to balance the budget.  That’s easy to do when the economy is in good shape, but our national economy has affected every decision made by the Governor and the Idaho Legislature.”

Allred campaign spokesman Shea Andersen said, "I can't say I'm surprised that in late March a robo-poll might pick up opposition to a Democratic opponent to Butch Otter. I don't consider it much of a reflection on Keith and his candidacy as I do maybe on the label." Andersen said Allred is out campaigning around the state, and people who listen to him like what he says, even if they might have been suspicious at first about a Democrat. "It's March, and we have a long way to go," he said.

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