Russ Fulcher: “I’m running for governor”

A conservative lawmaker from Meridian has announced he’s running for governor of Idaho.

Senate GOP Caucus Chairman Russ Fulcher made the announcement Saturday and says one of his main priorities is to reverse implementing the Affordable Care Act in Idaho and replace it with what he calls a patient-powered alternative.

“I’ve heard it might be delayed. That’s great. But I would argue with you, if it is, it’s being delayed for the wrong reasons. The reason it’s being delayed is to give it time to work. Folks, I don’t think we need to give it time to work. We need to repeal it and replace it,” Fulcher told a crowd of supporters in Idaho Falls.

Fulcher in a statement says he’s deeply concerned about the current direction of the state and disagrees with how Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter has handled the state’s response to President Barack Obama’s health care law.

The announcement sets up the 51-year-old Fulcher to challenge the 71-year-old Otter in the May 2014 Republican primary.

Otter has yet to formally announce his campaign plans, but he’s been raising money and telling supporters he intends to seek a third term.