Thayn ‘not planning’ statewide run

Kevin Richert | 02/03/2014

Sen. Steven Thayn is having another change of heart about running for state superintendent.

StevenThayn64 — Sen. Steven Thayn, R-Emmett

“I am not planning on running for state superintendent,” Thayn told Idaho Education News Monday. “There is a very small chance I could reconsider.”

Last week, Thayn, R-Emmett, said he was considering the race — after he’d been approached by supporters who urged him to take a second look at a statewide run.

Thayn has been an outspoken critic of new statewide tests aligned to the Idaho Core Standards, and has questioned the new math and English language arts standards.

At this point, two Republicans have formally announced a run to succeed Tom Luna: John Eynon, a Grangeville music and drama teacher; and Randy Jensen, an American Falls middle school principal. At least three other Republicans are publicly considering a run: teacher and former state Rep. Steve Smylie of Boise; Idaho Falls state Rep. Jeff Thompson; and outgoing Gooding School District Superintendent Heather Williams.

Jana Jones is the sole Democrat in the race.

Kevin Richert

Senior reporter and blogger Kevin Richert specializes in education politics and education policy. He has more than 30 years of experience in Idaho journalism. He is a frequent guest on "Idaho Reports" on Idaho Public Television and "Idaho Matters" on Boise State Public Radio. Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KevinRichert. He can be reached at [email protected]