Stevenson drops out; Lasuen to challenge Nielsen

Wayne Lasuen did not expect to be running for the legislature this year.

However, with Bob Stevenson accepting a job with the state and withdrawing last week as a candidate for the Idaho House of Representatives, opposing incumbent Republican Pete Nielsen, Lasuen, a Democrat, has stepped forward with only 60 days until the election to make the challenge.

"I couldn't stand by and watch Mr. Nielsen be re-elected with no one opposing him or holding him accountable for his record, which I believe does not represent the best interests of this district.

"The system doesn't work if voters don't have a choice" Lasuen said.

"There may not be much time and I may not be able to shake every hand, but I can and will put my whole heart into this race."

Lasuen has lived in Elmore County all of his life and looks forward to traveling into Boise County often.

"The future is where I'm headed. I'm tired of watching my friends leave town. I'm tired of schools unsure of what their upcoming budgets will be. I want to fight for these people. I want our community to be better."

He serves on the city's Planning and Zoning Commission and is employed as a parks supervisor for the city.

In 2002 Lasuen worked in the Adirondacks in upstate New York, fulfilling an Americorps internship. After that he was hired as a recruiter for SCA/Americorps, traveling to college campuses to encourage participation in the service program. He was also selected to speak to members of Congress in 2003 in an effort to preserve Americorps funding.

"My time with Americorps taught me the value of service, that one person can make a difference if they step forward and put in the effort.

"I'm tired of seeing small-town businesses die and local schools struggle in a changing world, while the legislature meets behind closed doors and offers the same tired arguments year after year.

"I can offer new eyes, clearly focused on the future of this district.

"I may be new to politics, but there's not a candidate running who cares more than I do. By stepping forward, by working as hard as I can in both counties, I will give people a real choice and hopefully, earn their trust and their vote."