Jennifer Locke thought her life took an interesting turn when she was named one of Idaho's four electors in the recent presidential election.

It's about to get more interesting.

Locke, a Republican committeewoman in Precinct 13 and Hayden resident, began her new gig Tuesday as Kootenai County's chief deputy clerk.

She was appointed by fellow Republican and County Clerk Jim Brannon last week. The two previously worked together on the county’s Republican Central Committee.

Brannon said he approached Locke and asked her to fill the position formerly occupied by Pat Raffee, who was fired in October.

"I thought she was very well-spoken, very personable and bright," Brannon said. "We agree on a lot of matters, but I'm always up for discussion. We worked on campaigns together and I've always liked the way she has conducted herself."

Locke, a North Idaho resident for nearly seven years, has a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Southern Maine. She has been a small-business owner the last eight years.

With 95 employees in the clerk's office, Locke believes she will bring a personable approach to the job.

"I've known Jim for four years and thought this was a great opportunity to help the county," Locke said. "I think I bring interpersonal skills. I'll be dealing day-to-day with employees and elected officials to work together as best as possible."

With the new year and two new commissioners coming into office, Brannon thought this was an ideal time to bring on Locke.

"We both want to make it great for the taxpayers that live here," Brannon said. "We're both limited government and do-it-right-the-first-time kind of people. I'm excited to have her."