Former state Republican Party chairman Steve Yates toured Idaho Tuesday, making his run for lieutenant governor official.
Yates’ kickoff tour is something of a formality. The Idaho Falls Republican filed his initial campaign paperwork in May — allowing him to begin raising money for the open race.
About two dozen people attended Yates’ kickoff in Boise, Betsy Russell of the Spokane Spokesman-Review reported Tuesday. Among those in attendance: former U.S. Sen. Larry Craig and former State Board of Education member Milford Terrell.
Yates’ resume includes work with the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, and work as deputy national security adviser for former Vice President Dick Cheney.
Yates joins what is already a crowded GOP field. State Sen. Marv Hagedorn of Meridian, former state Rep. Janice McGeachin of Idaho Falls, state Rep. Kelley Packer of McCammon and Steve Pankey of Twin Falls are also in the lieutenant governor’s race. No Democrats have filed.
Current Lt. Gov. Brad Little, a Republican, is running for governor.
The lieutenant governor’s job is a part-time post. Duties include standing in when the governor is outside the state, presiding over state Senate sessions — and casting rare tie-breaking votes in the 35-member body.
