SANDPOINT — Tom Kealey is bringing an abundance of business experience to the three-way GOP contest to elect Idaho’s new treasurer.

Kealey faces fellow Boise Republicans Julie A. Ellsworth and Vicky J. McIntyre in the May 15 primary election. The contest does not have any Democratic candidates, according to the Idaho Secretary of State.

The winner will succeed Ron Crane, who stepping down after five terms in office.

Crane’s departure created a window of opportunity which Kealey’s supporters urged him to seize.

“It’s been a long job interview process,” Kealey said of mindset of his campaign, which began in July.

Kealey and his wife, Joy, own the Chicago Pizza Connection restaurant group, which was founded in Idaho. He’s also chairman and president of Silver Creek Holding Co., which manages investments and advises growth companies in real estate and restaurants. The retired certified public accountant is a former trustee and audit committee chair for the Idaho Endowment Fund Investment Board, which manages the proceeds from revenues generated from state lands.

With a contested primary, Kealey is emphasizing his leadership and investment experience as spreads his message to Idaho voters.

“I bring a wealth of large and small business experience,” said Kealey.

Kealey is a former chief financial officer Morrison Knudsen, now known as Washington Group, and senior vice president for business development for GE Capital. His status as a retired CPA, meanwhile, is resonating with voters.

“That seems to be a credential that’s viewed very positively by voters for this position,” Kealey said.

As treasurer Kealey said he would continue to safeguard Idahoans’ money and investments through conservative policies, burnish the state’s credit rating and keep pace with the state’s cashflow needs. Other leadership goals include maintaining the office’s trust and integrity, in addition to enhancing transparency and cybersecurity.

Although the treasurer’s race lacks some of the cachet of other statewide races, Kealey said the importance of the office should not be lost on voters.

“The fiscal solvency of the state is important,” said Kealey.