The Republican District 31 precinct committee has nominated three candidates to replace Sen. Bob Geddes, R-Soda Springs, the Idaho State Journal reports - and Rep. Marcus Gibbs, R-Grace, isn't among the three. Gibbs announced two weeks ago that he was seeking the Senate seat, which is from the district he already represents in the House. He said then that he was "honored to be seeking the seat of a long-time mentor and friend," and said, "It is my intention to represent District 31 as their senator just like Sen. Geddes."

However, the local party committee chose three others as its nominees for the seat: Former state Rep. John Tippets, 59, who served in the House from 1988 to 2000; former Preston Mayor Neal Larson, 56; and Georgetown resident Mark Harris, 39. Otter has 15 days to make the final decision. The district includes Bear Lake, Bonneville, Caribou, Franklin and Teton counties.

Gibbs told Eye on Boise he attended the district GOP committee meeting at which nominees for the Senate seat were discussed. "One thing that came out, they talked about the fact that they didn't want to have to go through this process again," Gibbs said. "In all seriousness, while it would have been an honor to move to the Senate, I think I'm cut out for being in the House. ... I don't think it has anything to do with dissatisfaction with my service or anything like that." He said, "I honestly think the folks in District 31 think I'm doing a good job in the House."