Keough on list for lt. governor

SANDPOINT — Today, Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter is expected to name Idaho's next lieutenant governor, and state Sen. Shawn Keough , R-Sandpoint, is officially in the running for the high-profile job.

Early this week Otter released a 30-person short list of possible candidates to fill the position, which is currently held by U.S. Sen.-elect Jim Risch.

Before making his selection, Otter said he would speak with each candidate to gauge their interest in the position. After missing his first call on Christmas Eve, Keough spoke with Otter last Monday.

"He and I had a very good discussion," Keough said. "We had a discussion about what the job is, what it entails, how I might be qualified for it and what he's looking for."

During the conversation, Keough made it known that, if awarded the position, she would not permanently relocate to Boise, which is customary for the lieutenant governor. With a son still in high school and a job in the area, Keough said moving to Boise would not be possible.

If chosen, Keough would preside over the Idaho State Senate, fill in for the governor when he is out of state and assume full executive duties if the governor is longer able to.

Whether she is chosen or not, Keough said it is an honor to be mentioned for the job.

"It was a tremendous compliment and a tremendous honor that he would think of me and would consider me to the degree that he has," she said.

The next lieutenant governor will serve out the remaining two years of Risch's term.