Idaho gov. candidates play up cowboy credentials

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — They have castrated thousands of calves. They spend free time riding the range on horseback or hunting with rifles slung over their shoulders. Cowboy hats and oversized belt buckles are standard attire.

Meet the candidates for Idaho governor — two champion horsemen who seem to be running as much for cowboy-in-chief as they are for the state’s top political office.

Republican Gov. C.L. Otter and Democrat Keith Allred have unique cowboy resumes, with the incumbent sporting enormous belt buckles won in rodeo competitions.

The candidates hope the cowboy images send powerful messages to voters about their characters: individualism, purpose, common sense — and maybe even spurs to give the tuckered-out economy a little giddy-up.