Butch Otter
Born in 1942 in Caldwell, Idaho, Governor Butch Otter is the only Idaho born politician to win both the governorship and a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He holds the honor of being the second Idaho Catholic in history to be elected to a second term in office.
During his governorship, Governor Otter has riled environmentalists by stating he wants all but 100 gray wolves killed. Formerly on the endangered list, many feel shooting gray wolves will put them back on the endangered list. Meanwhile, Governor Otter is certain the wolves are threatening the state’s hunting industry.
Governor Otter’s personal life has also been steeped in controversy. While serving as lieutenant governor, he was stopped for suspicion of DUI. He came up with many excuses as to his erratic driving ranging from his reaching for a cowboy hat while driving to his chewing tobacco being soaked in whiskey.
Governor Butch Otter married his girlfriend, a former Miss Idaho USA, in 2006. In order to marry the much-younger woman, Otter’s first marriage had to be annulled by the Catholic Church.
Facts about Idaho’s Previous Governors
- After Idaho entered the union, the current Governor of the Idaho Territory became the first official Governor of the State of Idaho. George Shroup served for only a matter of weeks before take a seat in the U.S. Senate.
- Dirk Kempthorne, 30th Governor of Idaho, is contemplating running for President in 2012.
