Idaho lawmaker wins GOP nod in US House race

By JESSIE L. BONNER Associated Press Writer

BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Idaho state Rep. Raul Labrador has won the Republican nomination in the state's 1st Congressional District, pulling an upset over rival Vaughn Ward.

Labrador won Tuesday even though he had a significant fundraising disadvantage and despite launching his bid just six months ago.

He'll face another difficult challenge against first-term Democrat Walt Minnick, who has more than $1 million cash on hand heading into the general election campaign season.

With 409 of 462 precincts reporting, Labrador collected 45.6 percent of the vote compared to 40 percent for Ward.

Ward had been designated as one of the National Republican Congressional Committee's top recruits in its "Young Guns" candidate development program.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

BOISE, Idaho (AP) - State Rep. Raul Labrador is maintaining his lead over Marine reservist Vaughn Ward in their matchup for the Republican nomination in Idaho's 1st Congressional District.

With 325 of 462 precincts reporting, Labrador has 46.3 percent of the votes compared to 39.9 percent for Ward - an advantage that translates to more than 3,000 votes.

So far, Labrador is holding advantages in Ada and Canyon counties, while Ward has an edge in the northern counties of Clearwater, Kootenai and Latah.

The winner will take on first-term Democrat Walt Minnick in the fall. Minnick doesn't have a primary challenge and holds a massive lead in fundraising heading into the general election season.