Idaho Congressional Politics

Idaho Candidate Prompts Special State Law

By Jill Kuraitis, 3-25-08

An Idaho berry farmer has caused consternation and comic relief in the state legislature and prompted a last-minute bill during the final week of the state’s lawmaking session.

The candidate formerly known as Marvin Richardson has legally changed his name to “Pro-Life” – that’s it, just “Pro-Life.” He’s running as an Independent to replace U.S. Sen. Larry Craig in a field of eight.

Idaho Secretary of State Ben Ysursa, a Republican, went to a state senate committee Monday to propose new legislation. It would require candidates who change their name to their stance on the issues instead of a traditional name have a note added to the ballot noting their former name.

Senate Bill S1514 passed unanimously the day it was introduced, and is now in the Idaho House awaiting action.

Reporter Betsy Russell of the Spokane Spokesman-Review, wrote:

…Idaho’s top election official is worried that voters might be confused – and vote for both “Pro-Life” and the candidate of their choice in the crowded race for retiring Sen. Larry Craig’s seat. “This is about voters,” Secretary of State Ben Ysursa told a state Senate committee this morning. “Confusion could lead to over-voting,” thus disqualifying that voter’s ballot.

Pro-Life, who is 66, told the Idaho Press-Tribune that “if I save one baby’s life, it’s worth it.”

When he was Marvin Richardson, the candidate told New West he had plans to run for office repeatedly so he could keep his favorite issue in the public eye.

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