Allred Makes It Official as Candidate for Governor, With a Co-Chair From Each Party

By Jill Kuraitis, 12-17-09

When Keith Allred officially announced he is running for Governor this morning in his home town of Twin Falls, he also announced that his campaign co-chairs are Cecil Andrus and Laird Noh.

Former four-term Governor and Secretary of the Interior, Democrat Andrus is a revered and respected figure known for his efforts to bring lawmakers with opposing viewpoints together. Former state senator Laird Noh is an esteemed Republican on whom honors have also been bestowed for the same talent of crafting bipartisan solutions. Both men are avid outdoorsmen and conservationists, as is Allred.

Noh didn’t attend the announcement today at the Twin Falls high school auditorium, but his letter of support was read aloud. “It is not often that we find someone of such uncommon ability, objectivity, and energy,” Noh wrote, urging Idahoans of all parties to support Allred’s candidacy.

Allred said support from Idaho voters from both, or neither, political parties was important, “I ask all Idahoans – Democrats, Republicans and independents – to join me in this campaign to realize the full promise of a state government that is of, by, and for all Idahoans,” he said.