Democrat Announces Run for Idaho Governor

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho businessman and school board member Anthony Joseph "A.J." Balukoff announced he's running as a Democrat for governor, saying he wants to focus on education, the economy and ending "one-party rule" in a state dominated for decades by Republicans.

Balukoff kicked off his campaign Tuesday at a Boise elementary school near his home with more than 20 of his children and grandchildren standing behind him, holding handmade signs including one that read "Grandpa for Governor." So far, he has no rival Democrat in May's primary.

If he wins, he'll face the victor in the Republican primary that features Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and Sen. Russ Fulcher of Meridian. Balukoff is the Boise School Board chairman, an accountant and businessman who co-owns Boise's Grove Hotel and the Century Link Arena.