OAKLEY — Many leaders in Mini-Cassia were excited to hear Republican Speaker of the House Scott Bedke’s announcement that he intends to run for lieutenant governor — and some predict it will continue the area’s tradition of strong representation in state government.
“We have been waiting for this day and this announcement,” Cassia County Republican Central Committee Chairperson Doug Pickett said.
Pickett also announced Thursday that he intends to run for Bedke’s House seat.
“Scott will bring unity to the executive branch of the government,” Pickett said. Picket and Bedke are both from Oakley. “Scott and the governor have always worked well together, although they have their differences. I think it’s a great opportunity for him.”
Pickett said speaker of the house, which has enormous sway in the Legislature, “has a shelf life,” and Bedke holds the record as the longest serving state speaker — nearly 10 years.
“No one expects to be speaker forever,” Pickett said. “I think it’s really proactive of Scott to look forward.”
As lieutenant governor, Bedke would preside over the senate and cast tie-breaking votes. Other roles include serving as acting governor when the governor is away. The lieutenant governor also takes over the office of governor if the governor is unable to fulfill the duty.
Pickett said the office also has a hand in the state’s economy and in trade missions.
“The lieutenant governor plays a role in all of those things,” Pickett said.
Another Oakley resident, Debbie Critchfield, recently announced her intentions to join the race for the office of Idaho’s state superintendent of public instruction.
Cassia County Commissioner Bob Kunau said much of what is done in state government does not just benefit the area where a representative comes from, but having devoted members of the community serving at the state level does enhance Mini-Cassia.
“I think we’ve done well with the power we’ve had in the state Legislature,” Kunau said.
Mark Peterson of Burley, who is the Republican legislative chairman for District 27, said he knows Bedke well.
“I think he’s a natural fit for lieutenant governor,” Peterson said.
Peterson said he’s watched Bedke since he first became involved in state government.
“I’ve watched his progress. He was immediately recognized as one of the best water people in the country, not just in the state,” Peterson said.
He was also quickly recognized for his other leadership qualities, he said, including being elected as speaker of the House.
“That’s a great compliment from his colleagues,” Peterson said.
Peterson said Bedke’s knowledge “comes from the soil” and not from theories that he’s read about in books.
Bedke, he said, uses his knowledge stemming from ranching life as teaching tools in the Legislature.
“I’m confident that he has no personal agenda. He works for the betterment of all people in Idaho and that makes him an excellent candidate for lieutenant governor,” Peterson said.
Bedke is a fourth-generation rancher and was appointed to the House of Representatives by Republican Gov. Dirk Kempthorn in 2001. He became speaker in 2012.
Republican Rep. Priscilla Giddings of White Bird and former Republican Rep. Luke Malek of Coeur d’Alene are also running for the office.
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