Nonini named top GOP legislator

COEUR d'ALENE - Rep. Bob Nonini, R-Coeur d'Alene, was recently named the 2011 Idaho GOP Legislator of the Year.

Selected by the Hall of Fame Awards Committee in December, he was recognized at the Kootenai County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner on Saturday night.

"I was very honored," said Nonini, now in his seventh year as an Idaho state legislator. "It made me very proud."

The committee was impressed by Nonini's staunch support of education reform and his conservative voting record.

During his tenure in Boise, Nonini added, he has adhered to the state party platform: pro-life, small government and less taxes.

"The Kootenai County Republican Central Committee is very proud of our legislator from the 5th District," said KCRCC Chair Tina Jacobson. "Bob Nonini is very deserving of the award."

Jonathan Parker, executive director of the Idaho GOP, presented the Legislator of the Year award at the Lincoln Day Dinner.

"I think (Nonini has) done a great job representing Kootenai County," Parker said. "He's been a strong supporter of the state party - financially, as well as his time and energy."

More than 450 people attended the dinner at The Coeur d'Alene Resort. It was the largest Lincoln Day event the KCRCC has ever hosted in a non-election year.

Nonini flew to Coeur d'Alene on the state airplane with Gov. Butch Otter, who congratulated the legislator on winning the prestigious award.

"The governor was very complimentary," Nonini said. "It's an honor to have the governor be able to recognize you like that, and recognize your accomplishments."

Jeff Ward, president of the Kootenai County Reagan Republicans, said Nonini probably has the toughest job in the Legislature: chairman of the House Education Committee. He has held the post for five years.

"We were hoping this year that he would get (Legislator of the Year), just because of all the work he's done," Ward said. "He's been a true leader in education reform."