Boise candidate arraigned on gun threat charges

BOISE (AP) — A Boise woman running for Congress was suspended from her teaching job at the College of Western Idaho two days before police say she went to a local office supply store and threatened employees with a handgun.

A judge set bond at $100,000 on Monday for 58-year-old Cynthia Clinkingbeard, who faces three felony counts of aggravated assault along with a weapons charge. Authorities say Clinkingbeard has a history of bipolar disorder.

The Idaho Secretary of State's website lists Clinkingbeard as a Democratic candidate for Congress in Idaho's first district, for the seat now held by Raul Labrador.

Her attorney, Bret Shoufler, says she was likely in a "hypo-manic state" during the incident Friday.

According to testimony during the court hearing, Clinkingbeard was placed on leave from her adjunct teaching position at the Nampa community college for "erratic behavior." She also taught at Boise State University, but was relieved of her duties there on Monday.