Idaho Republican gubernatorial candidate Tommy Ahlquist laid out his political agenda Thursday to hundreds of supporters in Meridian while kicking off his statewide tour to visit all of Idaho’s 44 counties over 44 days.
The 49-year-old Boise businessman and former physician promised to improve Idaho’s educational system, work to lower health care premiums for Idahoans, and reform the state’s tax code. The first-time political candidate also reiterated his promise to cut $100 million in the state’s budget within the first 100 days in office.
However, Ahlquist hasn’t released many details on whether the cuts would come from spending or lower taxes. Ahlquist pointed to the state employee health insurance as a possible source for major reform and tax savings, though estimates to how much changing the system would save Idaho has varied over the year.
Ahlquist is running for governor against GOP U.S. Representative Raul Labrador and Lieutenant Governor Brad Little in 2018 – no major Democratic candidate has yet entered the race.
Governor Butch Otter has previously said he won’t seek a fourth term. (AP)
