Fulcher announced gubernatorial run
Idaho Senator
Russ Fulcher (R - Meridian) announced that he
has launched a campaign for Governor of the
state of Idaho on Saturday, challenging two-term
incumbent C.L. "Butch" Otter, who will seek a
third term.The governor's race will be on the November 4, 2014, election.
Fulcher declared his candidacy, saying:
“As a fourth generation Idahoan, I am deeply concerned about the current direction of our state. At the urging of constituents and friends, I formed an exploratory committee last month to determine how I may best serve our state. I spent time meeting with folks from every corner of Idaho, listening to their concerns and seeking their wise counsel as to how we can change the culture of government control to an environment where Idahoans are empowered to succeed and prosper.
"After prayerful consideration and receiving enthusiastic encouragement and support of citizens from across the state, I have decided to run for Governor of the state of Idaho. I understand that I will face an entrenched incumbent funded heavily by special interests, but I am inspired by the support of the hardworking people of Idaho who, like me, understand
that we need new leadership.
"I am not a career politician. I have spent three decades in the private sector, traveling the country and the globe to help grow Idaho’s economy and create jobs right here at home. We are in a new (information) age, and I know that the key to our state’s prosperity lies not in an ever-expanding government, but instead in the innovation and ingenuity of Idahoans.
"As your Governor, my first and foremost priority will be to promote policies that encourage and empower the good people of Idaho. I will endeavor to be the kind of Governor worthy of the extraordinary people, history and traditions of our great state.
"This begins with reversing Governor Otter’s efforts to implement Obamacare here in Idaho, then providing a patient-powered alternative. From the thousands of Idahoans who have already lost their insurance to the destruction of rural health care, this disastrous law is hurting patients, healthcare workers and our economy. Idaho needs a Governor willing to
stand up to President Obama, not voluntarily help him enforce his destructive policies in our own state.
"I understand that good leadership isn’t achieved by simply claiming to be conservative or having common sense. Instead, it means enacting policies that limit the role of government in our lives, reduce the tax and regulatory burden on families and job creators, provide access to our resources, protect our state’s sovereignty and safeguard our individual rights.
"Together, we can renew the optimism and rugged individualism that for generations has made Idaho the best place to live, work and raise a family. We can honor our heritage while looking forward to a bright future of prosperity and growth. We can restore our trust in government and elect individuals with a ‘servant heart’ who truly listen to the people.
I would be honored to be your Governor and look forward to the opportunity to serve.”
Fulcher currently represents the Treasure Valley in the Idaho State Senate. In recognition for his conservative leadership in the Statehouse, his colleagues elected him the Senate Republican Caucus Leader. He also serves on the Senate State Affairs and Education Committees.
For more information about Fulcher and his campaign, visit www.russfulcher.com.
Russ Fulcher is the Senate Republican Caucus Leader in the Idaho Statehouse. He works in the commercial real estate business, and previously served as an international business executive in the technology industry. A fourth generation Idahoan, he and his wife, Kara, have three adult children.