Race Analysis

In 1888, Benjamin Harrison defeated Grover Cleveland for the presidency. In an attempt to create a permanent GOP majority, the Republicans admitted six new states to the Union, carved out of the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. Like most attempts to build permanent majorities, it failed. Republicans lost Idaho in 1892. While they won in 1896, most of the other newly admitted states voted for the Democrat, as the silver issue came to dominate Western politics.

Idaho swung between the parties from 1900 through 1950, but eventually settled back with the GOP. Republicans overwhelmingly dominate the legislature and have held both Senate seats since liberal Democrat Frank Church was defeated in 1980. Sen. Jim Risch was elected in 2008 to replace Larry Craig, who resigned in the wake of a sex scandal. He’s drawn only nominal opposition, and is a safe bet for re-election.