Former Eagle Mayor Nancy Merrill says she will file election papers Tuesday to challenge House Majority Leader Mike Moyle as a write-in-candidate in the May 27 primary election.
Moyle has served five terms in the House and is unopposed on the Republican primary ballot for District 14 House Seat A, but faces Democrat Michelle Waddell in November's general election.
Merrill initially had planned to run against Moyle on the ballot but backed out before the filing deadline, citing family concerns. An early poll gave her a 4- or 5-percentage point edge over the powerful incumbent.
On Sunday, Merrill said the family situations are no longer a hindrance to her running, and she was persuaded to jump into the race as a write-in by a coalition of supporters who are "ready to roll" with money and support.
"I decided to finish what I started," Merrill said. "We need experienced representation, and I have an 18-year record of consensus-building and getting things done."
Merrill says she is frustrated with the lack of progress on key issues affecting Idaho's urban areas such as road improvement and transportation.
"It has been a long time since the Legislature did anything for District 14," she said.
Merrill, who was Eagle mayor from 2002 through 2007, says the most difficult hurdle will be teaching voters how to vote for a write-in candidate.
Brad Talbutt: 672-6737
