KIVITV.COM | Boise. News, Breaking News, Weather and Sports-Allred gets backing from former GOP lawmaker

Allred gets backing from former GOP lawmaker

Associated Press - December 17, 2009 6:34 PM ET

BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Idaho's new Democratic gubernatorial candidate has won the endorsement of a former state Republican lawmaker.

Keith Allred, a public policy activist, officially kicked off his campaign for the Democratic nomination in Twin Falls Thursday. He also won the backing Thursday of Laird Noh (NAY), a former GOP Senator from Kimberly.

Noh has been named the campaign's honorary campaign co-chairman, joining former Democratic Idaho Gov. Cecil Andrus in that role.

In a letter read at the campaign launch, Noh praised Allred's objectivity, energy and ability to form consensus. Noh says Allred is uniquely qualified to bring Idahoans together and find common ground regardless of party affiliation.

Noh, a longtime chairman of the Senate Resources Committee, said he has endorsed other high-profile Republicans, including former Idaho Governor and current U.S. Sen. Jim Risch.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.