A message from Jeff Tyler, chair of the elections committee for the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee, went to candidates last week thanking them for their "willingness to serve our community and participate in our process."

In the email, Tyler wrote that the KCRCC had met with its elections committee and made its list of recommended candidates.

"For those who wish to continue working with the Kootenai County Republican Party we encourage you to do so," Tyler wrote in the unedited text. "A reminder, for those of you not recommended there is the opportunity until 5pm on Friday the 25th to withdrawal your name from the Ballot in order to save time and resources for you and your opponent if you think it is the right thing to do for you and our community."

When asked for a comment on Tyler's message urging candidates who are not recommended by the KCRCC to drop out of the race, KCRCC Chair Brent Regan responded to The Press: "Your question is obviously biased as Chairman Tyler did NOT urge candidates to drop out."

"Clearly he was simply thanking all the candidates and reminding some of the deadline to withdraw IF they think it is the right thing to do," Regan wrote.

As of Monday, three non-KCRCC-recommended candidates have withdrawn from their respective Idaho legislative races:

*Tim Kastning, who was running in District 3 against KCRCC-recommended Jordan Redman for state representative, Seat B

*Roger Garlock, who was running in District 4 against KCRCC-recommended Elaine Price for state representative, Seat B. Price will face incumbent Rep. Paul Amador in the primary.

*Vicki Null-Carey, who was running in District 5 against KCRCC-recommended Carl Bjerke for state senator