A.J. Balukoff endorses Paulette Jordan for Idaho governor

A.J. Balukoff, the longtime Boise school board member and businessman who lost the Idaho Democratic primary for governor this year to Paulette Jordan, has issued a formal endorsement of Jordan for governor.

“This election year is critically important and the future of this great state depends on what we decide in November,” Balukoff said. “Paulette Jordan has energized, excited and encouraged voters to get to the polls and vote not only for her, but for Idaho Democrats up and down the ballot. She has emphasized important issues like improving education, making healthcare accessible for all, protecting our public lands and achieving a livable wage in Idaho. It’s time for everyone to come together for the good of our state. I fully endorse Paulette Jordan for governor of Idaho.”

Balukoff was the Democratic Party’s nominee for governor four years ago, losing to GOP Gov. Butch Otter, who won his third term with 53.5 percent of the vote to Balukoff’s 38.6 percent. Otter isn’t seeking re-election. Current Lt. Gov. Brad Little won the GOP primary with 37.3 percent of the vote, defeating current 1st District Rep. Raul Labrador, 32.6 percent; and physician and businessman Tommy Ahlquist, 26.2 percent.

Betsy Z. Russell is the Boise bureau chief and state capitol reporter for the Idaho Press and Adams Publishing Group. Follow her on Twitter at @BetsyZRussell.