About Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter
C.L. "Butch" Otter was elected Governor of Idaho on November 7, 2006. He previously served three terms in Congress representing Idaho’s 1st District (2000-2006). Governor Otter is a father of four and grandfather of four. He is married to the former Lori Easley. They live on their ranch near Star.
Governor Otter was born in Caldwell on May 3, 1942. He graduated from St. Teresa’s Academy (now Bishop Kelly High School) in Boise, attended Boise Junior College (now Boise State University), and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the College of Idaho (now Albertson College of Idaho) in 1967.
He served honorably in the Idaho Army National Guard’s 116th Armored Cavalry from 1968 to 1973, and later was awarded honorary doctorates from Mindanao (MIN’-den-ow) State University in the Philippines and Albertson College of Idaho in Caldwell.
Governor Otter’s 30-year career in business included membership on the Board of Directors of the J.R. Simplot Company. He also served as Director of the Food Products Division, President of Simplot Livestock, and President of Simplot International. He retired in 1993.
When he was elected to Congress, Governor Otter was serving his fourth term as Idaho’s Lieutenant Governor. He served in that office longer than anyone in Idaho history. He previously represented the people of Canyon County in the Idaho House of Representatives for two terms (1973-1976), was on the Idaho Republican Party Central Committee and was Chairman of the Canyon County Republican Party.
Governor Otter is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, the National Rifle Association, the Maple Grove State Grange, the Idaho Cowboys Association, the American Legion, Idaho 4-H Million Dollar Club, a Grand Slam member of Ducks Unlimited, and a lifetime member of Safari Club International.
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