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Melinda Smyser
| Melinda Smyser | |
 | |
| Idaho State Senate District 11 | |
| Former Member | |
| In office | |
| January 2009 - 2012 | |
| Party | Republican |
| Elections and appointments | |
| Last election | November 2, 2010 |
| Appointed | January 2009 |
| Appointed by | Gov. Butch Otter |
| Term limits | N/A |
| Education | |
| High school | Middleton High School |
| Bachelor's | University of Idaho |
| Master's | College of Idaho |
| Personal | |
| Birthday | October 29, 1958 |
 | |
Contents |
Smyser formerly served as a school district trustee. She holds a master’s degree in education from the College of Idaho. In 2008, Smyser was named “Canyon County Republican of the Year”.[2] She works as a Safe and Drug Free School Program Coordinator.
Smyser says that her attitude toward serving in the senate is, "Set the budget, get your work done and go home."[3]
Committee assignments
2011-2012
In the 2011-2012 legislative session, Smyser served on these committees:
2009-2010
In the 2009-2010 legislative session, Smyser served on these committees:
Elections
2012
- See also: Idaho State Senate elections, 2012
Redistricting placed District 13 incumbent Patti Anne Lodge (R) into District 11 with Smyser, leading to a potential 2012 faceoff between the two.[5] Smyser chose not to seek re-election.
2010
- See also: Idaho State Senate elections, 2010
Smyser had no opposition in the May 25 primary. She ran against Democratic candidate, Shannon L. Forrester, and Independent candidate, Kirsten Faith Richardson in the general election on November 2, 2010.
Smyser won her re-election race against Democrat Shannon L. Forrester and Independent Kirsten Faith Richardson.[6]
| Idaho State Senate, District 11 2010 General election results | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
 Melinda Smyser (R)
|
10,386 | 73.3% | ||
| Shannon Forrester (D) | 2,822 | 19.9% | ||
| Kirsten Faith Richardson (I) | 959 | 6.8% | ||
2008
On November 4, 2008, Republican Brad Little won re-election to the Idaho State Senate District 11 receiving 14,870 votes, ahead of Independent Kirsten Faith Richardson(4,309). In January 2009, Little became the Lieutenant Governor and Melinda Smyser was appointed to take his place. [7]
| Idaho State Senate, District 11 (2008) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| Brad Little (R) | 14,870 | 77.5% | ||
| Kirsten Faith Richardson (Independent) | 4,309 | 22.5% | ||
Campaign donors
2010
In 2010, Smyser received $47,941 in campaign donations. The top contributors are listed below.[8]
| Idaho State Senate 2010 election - Campaign Contributions | |
|---|---|
| Top contributors to Melinda Smyser's campaign in 2010 | |
| Jr Simplot Co | $2,000 |
| Micron Technology | $2,000 |
| Canyon County Republican Central Cmte | $1,846 |
| Qwest Communications | $1,200 |
| Farmers Insurance Group | $1,200 |
| Total Raised in 2010 | $47,941 |
District 11
Smyser represents Idaho Senate District 11. District 11 includes the northern half of Canyon County and all of Gem counties[9].
Personal
Melinda is married to Skip Smyser, who is a prominent attorney and lobbyist who served in the state senate from 1983-1990.[2] They live in Parma, Idaho and have four children.
External links
- Official Idaho Senate website
- Legislative profile from Project Vote Smart
- Biography from Project Vote Smart
References
- ↑ Press release of Butch Otter announcing Smyser's appointment
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Spokane Spokesman, "Melinda Smyser appointed to Senate", January 17, 2009
- ↑ Idaho Statesman, "First-time lawmaker urges action", April 5, 2009
- ↑ Idaho Senate, Members of Idaho senate standing committees
- ↑ The Republic, "Idaho redistricting panel adopts legislative map, plans to meet Monday on congressional plan," October 14, 2011
- ↑ "GOP gain in Idaho House could trigger policy changes," Idaho Reporter, November 3rd, 2010
- ↑ Idaho Senate official election results for 2008
- ↑ Follow the Money - 2010 candidate contributions
- ↑ "Idaho Legislature" 2009 Legislative Directory, July 22, 2009(See page 2)
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by - |
Idaho Senate District 11 2009–2012 |
Succeeded by Patti Anne Lodge (R) |
| |||||||||||||||||
