More than 85 supporters gathered to cheer chief deputy Ada County Clerk Phil McGrane this evening as he announced his candidacy for Idaho Secretary of State – and to sample free BBQ provided by a candidate who’s also a national BBQ champion. Among GOP notables in the crowd: Several elected county clerks from around the state; Ada County elected officials; former state Sen. Mary Hartung; state Sen. Fred Martin, R-Boise; and longtime Idaho GOP activist Phil Reberger, who said he sees “a lot of potential” in the 32-year-old candidate. McGrane is entering a potentially crowded race, with former state House Speaker Lawerence Denney already in the race and several others considering it.

Canyon County Clerk Chris Yamamoto, who’s also a GOP precinct chairman in his county, told the crowd, “Phil McGrane knows what we do, he knows how we do it, and Phil knows what we need.” Yamamoto said McGrane helped his neighboring county when it looked like it couldn’t get new precincts in place in time for a May primary after a late-stretching redistricting process, and he’s helped other counties in the state as well with sterling results. Twin Falls County Clerk Kristina Glascock gave McGrane similar kudos.

McGrane, an attorney and elections specialist, said, “Having worked for so many years to ensure that people have the right to vote, I have a deeply profound respect for institutions that are built upon this right. … I believe our party, or any party, is strongest when our success is based upon its principles and not when a select few try to bend the rules in their favor.” He pledged to "ensure the transparency and integrity of Idaho's government."

Other candidates considering the race include former state Sen. Mitch Toryanski, R-Boise; current state Rep. Luke Malek, R-Coeur d’Alene; and current state Rep. Holli High Woodings, D-Boise.