Rep. Simpson will Face Challenger in 2014

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson has a Republican primary challenger for Idaho's 2nd Congressional District seat with 11 months to go until the election. Idaho Falls attorney Bryan Smith filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to be Simpson's opponent in 2014.

Simpson has been in office since 1998 and has beaten primary and general election opponents including tea party-backed candidate Chick Heileson in 2010 and 2012. Smith, a Heileson supporter who helped him raise money, has taken a role in Idaho Falls affairs, including criticizing former city attorney Dale Storer who quit last September after acknowledging he overbilled the city for legal work.

The 51-year-old Smith plans to make formal announcements Thursday in Boise, Twin Falls, Pocatello and Idaho Falls about his bid to represent the district covering eastern Idaho.