And Brad Little is running for …

… lieutenant governor.

That’s the news from this morning, as Brad Little began a 19-stop, statewide campaign kickoff tour with a fundraiser in his hometown of Emmett.

Little, a Republican, had been vague about his exact plans — saying only that he would announce his 2014 election intentions.

While Little will seek another term as Gov. Butch Otter’s second-in-command, he also made clear that he has his sights on other things. With a reference to Otter — who served a record 14 years as lieutenant governor, before his election to Congress and, ultimately, the governor’s seat — Little said this of his current job.

“I don’t know that I want to do it for 14 years,” said Little, according to the Spokane Spokesman-Review’s Betsy Russell. “You know you wouldn’t take the job if you didn’t think you had the skills to be governor.”

Otter appointed Little, a former state senator, in 2009. Little was re-elected in 2010.

In Idaho political circles, Little has been seen as a governor in waiting.

Otter has said he plans to seek a third term, although he has made no formal announcement. Otter, who attended Little’s announcement Wednesday, also told Russell that he plans to serve out his third term if re-elected.

“I have no reason to believe I will not complete four years. … I’m healthy as a horse.”

No Democrats have announced their candidacy for governor, or lieutenant governor. Perennial fringe candidate Harley Brown has said he will oppose Otter in the GOP primary.

Kevin Richert

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]

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