Strong turnout expected at polls

A large turnout is expected Tuesday when voters go to the polls to cast ballots in the general election for races ranging from president to county commissioner and sheriff.

Although the ballot isn't particularly long, a number of key races will be decided. County Clerk Gail Best said absentee balloting has been heavy so far, with over 1,400 ballots cast by Monday,and a large number of new voters, many of them relatively young, have registered in the last few weeks.

At the top of the ticket is the race for president, with Republican incumbent George Bush expected to win both locally and statewide, defeating Democratic challenger John Kerry. Congressional Party candidate Michael Peroutka and Libertarian Party candidate Michael Badnarik also are on the ballot.

Sen. Mike Crapo is unopposed in his bid for re-election, but fellow congressman Mike Simpson, Republican incumbent, is being challenged by Democrat Lin Whitworth for the House seat in the Second Congressional District.

With the retirement of Fred Kennedy, the District 22 state senate seat is up for grabs, with Democrat Jim Alexander and Republican Tim Corder, Sr., vying for the post. Both are from Mountain Home.

For state House of Representatives, the District 22 position A seat has incumbent Republican Rich Wills being challenged by Democrat Bob Works. Both are from Glenns Ferry.

In the House position B race, incumbent Republican Pete Nielsen is being challenged by Democrat Wayne Lasuen. Both are from Mountain Home.

There were no candidates from voter-poor Boise County, which along with Elmore County comprises Distict 22.

At the local level, Larry Rose is unopposed for re-election to the Second District county commissioner's seat.

But in the Third District, incumbent Republican Calvin Ireland is facing a challenge from Democrat Connie Cruser for the county commission.

For county sheriff, incumbent Republican Rick Layher is being challenged by independent Bert Landon.

Republican incumbent Aaron Bazzoli is unchallenged in his re-election bid for county prosecuting attorney.

Voters also will be asked whether or not to retain David Epis as a Fourth Judicial District Magistrate Judge.

On the back side of the ballot is the key question as to whether or not voters will approve the $7.5 million bond issue request of the county to build a new jail.