Sarah Palin has endorsed Vaughn Ward in Idaho's 1st Congressional District GOP primary, adding oomph to a race in which the two leading contenders have been trying to out-conservative each other. “I’m happy to support Vaughn Ward because I know that he believes in the same common sense conservative ideals that we cherish,” the former Alaska governor said in an announcement; she also endorsed two other veterans who are seeking congressional seats in Florida and Illinois.     Ward, a decorated veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, is vying against state Rep. Raul Labrador, R-Eagle, for a chance to challenge Democratic Congressman Walt Minnick. Three other lesser-known Republicans also have filed for the seat.
    
Ward said, “Gov. Palin has provided great leadership for the Republican Party and I am proud to have her support. I look forward to promoting our conservative values in Congress.” Labrador, for his part, said, "You know, I like Sarah Palin, she's a well-respected conservative, but it's a little disappointing that she continues to support moderate Republicans in primary elections." The other primary race Labrador pointed to: The primary challenge faced by U.S. Sen. John McCain, Palin's running mate in the 2008 presidential election. You can read my full story here at spokesman.com.