Last Tuesday’s election in Virginia over adopting a redistricted — gerrymandered — congressional district map was, whatever else, dramatic. As the vote trickled in over a couple of hours, it stayed close almost always, and while the “no” side narrowly led most of the time, the “yes” side eventually prevailed.

Idaho doesn’t have a lot of election nights like that anymore, but the primary election about a month from now does have some unpredictability about it, and some races that could be close in the Republican primary, where most of the action will be.

A bunch of contests have emerged, pitting two clear sides against each other: mainstream candidates against the harder-edged contenders aligned with the state party structure. Both have scored wins in recent years. In 2024, the state party side seemed to get the better of it. This year, especially in the Magic Valley, we’ll see if a pushback attempt succeeds.

One of those contests stands out for the stark choices involved and the unmistakability of whatever the voters decide. That is the race for the Idaho Senate in District 6, which includes Moscow, part of Lewiston and rural areas around them.

It’s a district that in theory might have been designed for something resembling moderation, but has not turned out to be. Moscow is nearly central, but its university community is offset by a large religious group development. The district’s senator is third-term Republican Dan Foreman, of Moscow. His challenger is Lori McCann, of Lewiston, a Republican House member appointed in 2021 and elected twice since.

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) —The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public feedback on seven proposed geothermal lease parcels in southern Idaho, most of them in Cassia County.

Idaho currently has no geothermal power plants leased on public lands, according to the BLM.

Geothermal energy pulls heat from deep underground to generate power. Unlike solar or wind, it does not depend on weather or sunlight, making it a consistent, around-the-clock energy source.

One acre of surface disturbance can supply power to about 400 to 600 homes, according to the BLM.

The BLM has managed geothermal leasing since 1976, the first allowed on public lands. The agency oversees more than 50 operational plants, mostly in Nevada and California.

Before any lease is awarded in Idaho, the BLM wants to hear from the public, especially anyone with knowledge of resources in the area that could affect the decision.

The agency is seeking information on any resource considerations that need to be taken into account when deciding whether the parcels should be leased for geothermal exploration.

If leases are awarded, the money generated would be shared. Half would go back to the state of Idaho and a quarter would go directly to the county where the leased land sits.

The bids, rental receipts and subsequent royalties are divided as follows: 25% goes to the United States Treasury, 25% goes to the county where the leased parcel is located, and 50% goes back to the state of Idaho.

The public input deadline is May 13. Information on how to submit feedback is available on BLM Idaho’s geothermal energy webpage.