Two candidates challenging GOP Gov. Butch Otter’s bid for a third term reacted today to Otter’s pledge to continue to fight same-sex marriage in Idaho in court. Here are their statements:

John Bujak, Libertarian: “I was disappointed that Gov. Otter decided to continue to waste more Idaho taxpayer money fighting this issue.  Nevada’s Republican governor, in the companion case, saw the wisdom in ending the fight because it is a fight that cannot be won in the federal courts.  At this point, Idaho is best served by saving its limited resources and putting them to a more practical use such as improving education or reclaiming control over Idaho’s lands.”

A.J. Balukoff, Democrat: "Idaho should be spending its previous few taxpayer dollars on higher priorities, like education and growing our economy. As I've said many times, Gov. Otter's misguided priorities have devastated our schools and led Idaho's economy to the bottom nationally." He added, “This ruling recognizes that, in America, we do not have the right to impose our beliefs and practices on other people, and discrimination is wrong. We must treat all people equally, with kindness and respect. I'm proud of the courage shown by these people who challenged a law that violates the United States Constitution."