Bond amount reduced

COEUR d'ALENE - The bond amount for the suit challenging the Nov. 3 general election has been reduced to $5,000.

Plaintiff Jim Brannon has seven days to post the new amount for the suit to go forward.

In an order issued by 1st District Judge Benjamin Simpson Thursday, the court said that the $5,000 amount, dropped from the original $40,000 price, is likely sufficient to cover the costs.

It does not include attorneys fees.

Jim Brannon wasn't immediately available for comment, but his attorney Starr Kelso said they were pleased the price had been lowered.

"It's certainly higher than we believe is warranted, but it is a refreshing change," he said.

Kelso said he couldn't comment whether Brannon would post that amount. Earlier in the week Scott Reed, attorney for Mike Kennedy, filed a brief in the court in support of the $40,000 bond. He said Thursday he expects the suit to go to trial.

"I would anticipate they would file a bond and we would proceed with trial," he said.

The trial is still set for April 13, but a motion to vacate that date has also been filed.