Idaho democrat A.J. Balukoff enters 2018 Governor race

Democrat A.J. Balukoff formally entered the campaign for Governor Wednesday.

Appearing in Pocatello, Balukoff told supporters he will push for investments in Idaho’s schools and students, expanding Medicaid to cover Idaho’s “gap” population, and protect access to Idaho’s public lands from private special interests.

“When I ran four years ago, Idaho was at the bottom of the barrel in education investments, education results and household income, while being a national leader in minimum wage jobs. Here we are four years later and nothing has changed,” said Balukoff. “A generation of Idaho children are coming of age without the skills they need to succeed. If elected, I will work every day to make sure the next generation doesn’t suffer the same fate. If we are going to provide opportunity for Idaho’s children, families and communities, we must get serious about investing in their future – that means providing a quality education and access to healthcare.”

Balukoff made his kickoff announcement in Pocatello Wednesday and is embarking on a statewide tour. He is scheduled to speak with supporters from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Villa in downtown Idaho Falls this afternoon.

On Thursday he will meet with voters in Twin Falls and Ketchum, followed by stops in Coeur d’Alene on Friday. Balukoff will complete his kickoff tour in Boise on Saturday where he will volunteer to canvas for signatures in support of the Reclaim Idaho Medicaid Expansion effort.