Idaho Republican Party State Chairman Norm Semanko, pictured, issued the following statement in response to the recent incidents of harassment toward Superintendent Luna: “This is what happens when you step out and fight against the status quo.  As Idahoans we cannot let these scare tactics win,” said Semanko.   “The Students Come First plan has obviously touched a nerve and rightly so. We know the opposition’s rhetoric and misinformation has gotten us to this point today, and we cannot let these hostile tactics win in the end.  We must do what’s right for Idaho students”/AP, via Betsy Russell's Eye On Boise. More here.

• Otter, Luna call for 'civil discourse'

Question: Is it just me or is Luna, with gale wind help from Gov. Butch Otter and GOP chairman Norm Semanko, trying to make himself out to be the victim here? Gracious, I once had all four tires of my car slashed at Flathead High in Kalispell, Mont., during a barbershop quartet concert. Now I wonder if you the school union thugs from the Flathead Valley were mad at something I'd written.