IdahoReporter.com

Norm Semanko, chairman of the Idaho Republican Party, said in an e-mail message that Congressman John Boehner, head of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), is behind the party’s candidate for the U.S. House in Idaho’s 1st District, Raul Labrador.  There had been some speculation about the NRCC’s commitment to Labrador’s quest to unseat Walt Minnick, a freshman Democrat, after Labrador was left off an NRCC list of candidates it considers top contenders, dubbed “Young Guns.”  Semanko also announced that the Republican National Committee (RNC) decided to focus on the Labrador race and will include it in its “D2H,” or Delaware to Hawaii, victory campaign.

Semanko’s message was meant to rally Republican supporters and remind them that, when the message was sent out, there was only about 100 days until the general elections in November.  ”From Congress to the Governor’s office and the State Legislature — everything is on the line,” said Semanko. “This is our opportunity to push back against the big government, liberal agenda of Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi.”

Semanko said that he has spoken with Boehner about the 1st Congressional District.  ”He made clear that the NRCC is fully on board with Representative Labrador and that he is personally committed to winning this race,” said Semanko.  ”We very much appreciate Leader Boehner’s strong support for our efforts.”

The race between Labrador and Minnick is now being targeted by the Republican National Committee which provides financial and logistical support to candidates across the country.  ”In an effort to replace Walt Minnick with Raul Labrador, the RNC is excited to be partnering with the Idaho Republican Party to provide the necessary support to win this important race,” said RNC Chairman Michael Steele.  “The success of the Republican Party starts with the volunteers who knock on doors, make phone calls, attend events, and reach out to Republican voters in their own small communities and neighborhoods.  Idahoans will send a clear message to Nancy Pelosi that it’s time to change the business-as-usual backroom deals and the big government policies that are failing to deliver for the American people.”

One piece of the victory campaign is already in place for Republicans.  In late June, former Idaho Senate staffer Phil Hardy was named the “Victory Director” by the RNC and the Idaho Republican Party.  He will focus on helping Labrador overtake Minnick in November.