Labrador files papers for governor run, plans announcement in 'coming weeks'

Idaho Rep. Raúl Labrador filed paperwork Tuesday to run for governor and released a statement promising a formal candidacy announcement in the “coming weeks,” an expected development that came as the congressman continues to face harsh national publicity for comments last week that “nobody dies because they don’t have access to health care.”

Labrador filed the paperwork in the Secretary of State’s office at mid-morning and issued a statement shortly thereafter.

“Running for governor of the great state of Idaho takes serious preparation. To comply with both the spirit and the letter of the law, I have filed the appropriate campaign finance form required to register as a candidate for governor,” he said. “Idaho needs a proven conservative leader who will stand against the special interests and politicians that have picked the winners and losers in our state Capitol for too long. Idaho needs a strong leader who will make government fair for everyone. Idaho needs a governor who will provide a new vision, a new approach and new leadership.”

Labrador joins fellow Republicans Lt. Gov. Brad Little, real estate developer Tommy Ahlquist, and former State Sen. Russ Fulcher in the race for the GOP nomination to succeed Gov. Butch Otter, who is not running again in 2018. The 2014 Democratic nominee A.J. Balukoff has said he’s still deciding what he will do.

Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article149482654.html