State profile: Idaho

Idaho is one of the most conservative states in the US and the Republicans should have little trouble maintaining their advantage here.

George W Bush crushed John Kerry in Idaho in 2004, and Republicans control the state legislature by a wide margin.

The only potential fly in the ointment for Idaho Republicans could be the scandal surrounding the current Republican Senator Larry Craig, who pleaded guilty in June 2007 to disorderly conduct after being arrested in a Minneapolis public lavatory for allegedly soliciting gay sex.

KEY FACTS Population: 1,466,465 (ranked 39 among states) Governor: Butch Otter (R) Electoral college votes: 4

Mr Craig has announced his intention not to stand for re-election in 2008, so Idaho Republicans will be hoping that his exploits will be forgotten and voters' natural conservative instincts will ensure that the party retains its grip on the state.

The federal government is a traditional bogeyman in this part of the world - next-door Montana and Wyoming often display the same feelings.

IN CONGRESS House of Representatives: 2 Republican Senate: 2 Republican

This opposition to government is part of a set of "western values", including a strong belief in the free market and in God.

Idaho is a beautiful, expansive state with clean air, but it is also a centre of international agribusiness.

Its most famous product is the potato and Idaho's most famous potato supplier is JR Simplot. Simplot built his empire from nothing, a symbol of those "western values".

The Albertson supermarket chain and Boise Cascade paper company were also founded in Idaho.

VOTING RECORD 2004: Bush 69%, Kerry 30% 2000: Bush 67%, Gore 28% 1996: Clinton 34%, Dole 52%

In recent years they have been joined by other large companies including Micron Technology and Washington Group International, who were attracted by the state's deregulated environment.

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Are you in Idaho? Will you be voting in 2008? How do you plan to vote? Send us your comments and predictions using the form below.

Your comments:

Voting in ID for anyone but an religious extremist or a reactionary stooge is an activity of the greatest frustration. The state cannot shake its 19th c. cast. Ironically, it has more federally-designated wilderness land than any other save for Alaska. The aforementioned would turn that lush land into a giant ski-area and haven for the wealthy of other states. Ideology blinds them to the fact that they already possess heaven. I won't vote. It's pointless here.
Thomas F. Reese, Coeur d'Alene, ID, USA

I have lived in Idaho for about 16 years. I will be voting in the 2008 elections. I do not know who I am going to vote for President. I am a conservative, who feels disconnected to the politics of Washington D.C. My Senator is working harder to keep his job than the concerns and issues that are important to his electorate. I guess I should have voted for George Michael, at least he admits what he does in public restrooms. No presidential candidate inspires me at this point. Hillary Clinton spikes fear into my heart.
Daniel , Boise, ID USA

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