Democratic gubernatorial candidate Keith Allred kicked off an "Education Matters" tour around the state today with sessions at a middle school in Rexburg and an arts center in Idaho Falls; he'll hit Twin Falls on Tuesday, Meridian Wednesday, Lewiston and Moscow Thursday, and more. Allred said the tour will highlight the positive impacts of a strong education system and the danger of this year's school funding cuts; you can see his announcement here.

Meanwhile, Gov. Butch Otter is bringing Mitt Romney to Idaho to campaign for him on Oct. 6, with stops planned in Idaho Falls and Boise. The Idaho Falls stop will include a breakfast fundraiser with business leaders at Melaleuca, followed by a public rally, also at Melaleuca. In Boise, Romney will join Otter for a lunch fundraiser with business leaders at Chandler's Restaurant, followed by a rally at the Linen Building; you can see his announcement here.