2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Idaho explained

Election Name:2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Idaho
Country:Idaho
Type:legislative
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Idaho
Previous Year:2010
Next Election:2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Idaho
Next Year:2014
Seats For Election:All 2 Idaho seats to the United States House of Representatives
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Last Election1:2
Seats1:2
Popular Vote1:406,814
Percentage1:64.04%
Swing1: 5.07%
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Last Election2:0
Seats2:0
Popular Vote2:208,297
Percentage2:32.79%
Swing2: 0.95%

The 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Idaho were held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012, and elected two U.S. representatives, one from each of the state's two congressional districts. The elections coincided with those of other federal and state offices, including a quadrennial presidential election. Candidate filing took place between February 27 and March 9, 2012. Primary elections were held on May 15, 2012.[1]

Overview

United States House of Representatives elections in Idaho, 2012
PartyVotesPercentageSeats+/–
Republican406,81464.04%2-
Democratic208,29732.79%0-
Libertarian12,2651.93%0-
Independents7,6071.20%0
Write-ins2350.04%0
Totals635,218100.00%2

Redistricting

Although Idaho's overall population grew by more than 20 percent during the period between 2000 and 2010, more significant growth elsewhere meant the state did not gain extra representation in the House of Representatives, instead remaining at two seats. The 2010 United States census found that the population of the 1st district, which previously comprised the state's western and northern counties, as well as parts of Ada County including much of western Boise, had 116,278 more residents than the 2nd district, which included the rest of Boise, the Magic Valley region and the state's eastern counties. This shift in population meant that the 2nd district, currently represented by Republican Mike Simpson, would include more of Ada County beginning in 2012 and up through the 2020 Congressional election.[2]

In October 2011 the Idaho Commission on Redistricting approved by a 4–2 vote a Congressional district map which moved the district boundary in Boise west from Cole Road to Cloverdale Road. This placed almost all of Boise in the 2nd district, with only a few far western neighborhoods remaining in the 1st district. Other Ada County cities including Meridian, Eagle, Star, Kuna and Garden City remained in the 1st district. No changes were made to Congressional district boundaries outside Ada County.[3]

On January 18, 2012, the Idaho Supreme Court struck down the redistricting plan approved by the Commission on Redistricting in October 2011 on the grounds that it violated the Idaho Constitution. The commission reconvened on January 26, 2012, to make necessary revisions which were approved the following day. The commission's January 2012 changes dealt solely with state legislative districts, leaving the original Congressional redistricting plan intact.[4]

District 1

See also: Idaho's 1st congressional district. Republican Raúl Labrador, who was first elected to represent the 1st district in 2010, will run for re-election.

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee
Eliminated in primary

Primary results

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee
Eliminated in primary
Declined

Primary results

Libertarian primary

Candidates

Nominee

Independents

Pro-Life, a perennial candidate formerly known as Marvin Richardson, ran as an Independent.

General election

Results

District 2

See also: Idaho's 2nd congressional district. Republican Mike Simpson, who had represented the 2nd district since 1999, ran for re-election.

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee
Eliminated in primary
Withdrew
Declined

Primary results

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee
Eliminated in primary
Withdrawn

Primary results

General election

Results

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: On The Ballot In 2012. August 16, 2011. Idaho Secretary of State.
  2. Web site: Census population data will spur redistricting. March 11, 2011. April 24, 2011. IdahoReporter.com. Brad. Iverson-Long. https://web.archive.org/web/20110317153230/http://www.idahoreporter.com/2011/census-population-data-will-spur-redistricting/. March 17, 2011. dead.
  3. http://legislature.idaho.gov/redistricting/congressional_maps/C52_streets.pdf Adopted Redistricting Plans
  4. http://legislature.idaho.gov/redistricting/news.htm Idaho State Legislature - Redistricting Commission - News - Updates
  5. Web site: Labrador faces Moscow challenger in May primary. March 9, 2012. March 11, 2012. Moscow-Pullman Daily News. Brandon. Macz.
  6. Web site: Ex-NFL Player to Challenge Labrador in Idaho. October 18, 2011. October 22, 2011. Roll Call. Kyle. Trygstad.
  7. Web site: LeFavour joins crowded congressional race, McGeachin does not. March 10, 2012. March 11, 2012. Idaho Reporter. Dustin. Hurst.
  8. Web site: Judge orders a mental health evaluation for Cynthia Clinkingbeard. April 6, 2012. June 11, 2012. Idaho Statesman. Patrick. Orr.
  9. Web site: Idaho's Minnick Says He's Done for Good. December 16, 2010. April 24, 2011. Roll Call. Kyle. Trygstad.
  10. Web site: Rob Oates to run for Congress. February 28, 2012. March 11, 2012. The Idaho Press-Tribune. Mike. Butts.
  11. Web site: Boise Sen. Nicole LeFavour calls race for Congress less 'soul-wrenching'. March 28, 2012. June 11, 2012. Idaho Statesman. Sean. Cockerham.