Smith Conceds Nomination to Simpson

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Rep. Mike Simpson has prevailed in the Republican primary for Idaho's 2nd Congressional District, fending off a conservative challenger who drew early support from anti-tax advocates. Simpson's opponent, Idaho Falls attorney Bryan Smith, got an endorsement from the Club for Growth. Smith had said Simpson was too liberal for Idaho, citing his October 2013 decision to end the 16-day partial government shutdown Republicans attempted to use to force an end to the federal Affordable Care Act. Simpson, who was endorsed by the National Rifle Association, says he has a strong conservative voting record in his eight terms in office. The 2nd District encompasses the eastern half of the state and is home to farms and ranches, the Idaho National Laboratory nuclear facility, and the churches and temples representing a strong presence of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.