Butch Otter
Clement Leroy Otter, (born May 3, 1942), usually known as Butch Otter, is an American Republican politician from Idaho. He has represented the state's 1st District(map) since 2001. The district is located in the western part of the state and includes most of the state capital, Boise and its surrounding metropolitan area. It also includes Lewiston and Couer d'Alene. He is currently the leading Republican candidate for governor of Idaho in 2006 and will step down from the House at the end of his third term in 2007.
Born in Caldwell, Idaho in 1942, Otter earned his B.A. in political science from the College of Idaho (now known as Albertson College of Idaho) in 1967 and served in the Idaho Army National Guard (1968-1973). Otter served in 116th Armored Cavalry and received specialized training at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
Otter's business experience includes spending 30 years with the J.R. Simplot Company, a potato, livestock and feeding operation. His first bid for elective office was in 1972 when he was elected a member of the Idaho State House of Representatives, serving two terms. He then returned to private business until 1986, when he was elected lieutenant governor of Idaho. He was reelected three times and served until 2001, when he resigned midway through his fourth term to take his congressional seat. He has also held senior positions within the Idaho Republican Party.
In Congress, Otter's voting record is staunchily conservative, but with a slight libertarian streak. However, he is perhaps best known as one of the few outspoken Republican opponents of the Patriot Act. He was one of three Republicans (along with Bob Ney of Ohio and Ron Paul of Texas to vote against the act in 2001. Despite his opposition to the Patriot Act, he kept his position as a deputy Republican whip.
On Dec. 15, 2004 Otter announced his intention to run for governor in 2006. His Democratic challenger, Jerry Brady was soundly defeated in 2002 by current Governor Dirk Kempthorne 58%-42%. This coupled with the fact that Idaho is overwhelmingly Republican (President Bush gained 69% of the Idaho vote in 2004) makes Otter the heavy favorite to succeed Kempthorne as Governor.