2014 election

GOP candidate had third-party ties

Republican state schools superintendent candidate John Eynon recently stepped down from a state officer’s post with the Constitution Party. The party’s acting chairman says Eynon reneged on running under the third party’s banner.

Superintendent’s race: the Smyser rumor

Former state Sen. Melinda Smyser — a former teacher, counselor and Parma school trustee — still isn’t talking about a possible run for state superintendent.

Luna’s announcement: reactions

House Speaker Scott Bedke said Luna’s decision to step aside after this term illustrates the state’s commitment to implementing the 20 recommendations from an education reform task force.

Luna won’t seek re-election

For the past year, Luna had told reporters he was planning to seek a third term. His surprise announcement could throw the state superintendent’s race wide open.

Video: Luna’s election news conference

On Monday, state superintendent Tom Luna said he will not seek re-election in 2014 — in part, because he believes election-year politics could undermine a rare chance at education reform.

Video: ‘Making the Grade,’ Jan. 22

This week, Kevin Richert and Michelle Edmonds of KIVI and KNIN talk about the state schools superintendent’s race — and how the Common Core controversy factors into the election.

Commissioner files to challenge Little

Idaho County Commissioner Jim Chmelik, an outspoken advocate of state management of public lands, will take on Lt. Gov. Brad Little in the May 20 GOP primary.

Jones running for state superintendent

Jana Jones, an Idaho Falls Democrat, previously ran for superintendent of public instruction in 2006, losing a close race to Tom Luna.

AP: Balukoff a former Republican

In 2008, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate’s name surfaced on a list of 60 Republicans supporting Democratic congressional candidate Walt Minnick.