Idaho senator's residency challenged by District 2 constituents

Two constituents from Idaho's 2nd legislative district are challenging whether Idaho State Sen. Phil Hart lives in the district.

Deborah Rose of Athol and Bruce (Evan) Koch of Spirit Lake submitted a request Sept. 15 to Secretary of State Phil McGrane to investigate Hart's residency. They allege the home at Hart's address has been under construction for several years and they have reason to believe Hart is not residing at the location.

"As concerned citizens from both sides of the political aisle — one a registered Democrat and the other a registered Republican — we are united in our desire to ensure that our elected officials are adhering to the residency requirements set forth by Idaho law," Koch and Rose state in the request. "We believe that transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining the integrity of our electoral system."

The Idaho Democratic Party held a press conference Tuesday in front of a Kellogg residence listed as belonging to Hart, the same Kellogg address used in his Shoshone County voter registration.

District 2 encompasses parts of Bonner and Kootenai counties and all of Shoshone, Benewah and Clearwater counties. Idaho law states representatives and senators must live in their districts at least one year before running for office and must live in the districts they represent. 

In an interview with The Press, Secretary of State Phil McGrane said a similar complaint was filed against Hart during the May primary. After the complaint was investigated, Hart remained on the primary ballot. McGrane said Tuesday that office is aware of the current complaint.

"Unless there is new information, I don't anticipate a different outcome," he said.

Sen. Hart could not be reached for comment.

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Reporter Hailey Hill contributed to this story.

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