GOP battles over lead spot

TWIN FALLS (AP) — Embattled Idaho GOP Barry Peterson is facing those who say he no longer has the authority to lead the state’s Republican Party in court.

Peterson’s attorneys were in Twin Falls County’s 4th District Court on Tuesday. They are representing Peterson in a lawsuit he brought against two party officers to maintain control of Idaho’s divided GOP.

Those defending the officers say Peterson no longer is the party chairman because his two-year term ended when the GOP convention adjourned earlier this year without electing a new leader. The officers scheduled a meeting on Aug. 2 to elect a new leader.

Peterson contends that that action was illegal under the party rules, despite the Republican National Committee endorsing the meeting.

Instead, Peterson has scheduled an Aug. 9 meeting to determine party leadership.