Russell McLain considers himself a fair-minded Republican.

He'll be running as an Independent, however, in the District 3 Commissioner race.

"I can't be part of it anymore," McLain said. "I have to think for myself and not walk to the beat of somebody else's drum. There's just so many different factions of the Republican party you don't know who to trust."

The 51-year-old McLain, who will be running against Republican Bob Bingham for the seat, has lived in Coeur d'Alene the last 25 years.

McLain is retired and a former bus driver for the Coeur d'Alene School District, and has one daughter who is currently in the U.S. Air Force. This is his first time running for public office.

He has been very active in local politics, he said, helping the campaigns of such local Republicans as Monty Montgomery, Dan Gookin, Steve Adams, Jim Brannon, Mary Souza, the late Marv Lekstrum, and many others by knocking on doors and walking precincts.

"We have so many good people here and I want to keep it that way," McLain sad. "The sheriff's department is fantastic and the county staff is above board."