1962 Idaho gubernatorial election

For related races, see 1962 United States gubernatorial elections.

1962 Idaho gubernatorial election

←  1958 November 6, 1962 1966  →

Nominee Robert E. Smylie Vernon K. Smith Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 139,578 115,876 Percentage 54.64% 45.36%

County results Smylie:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80% Smith:     50–60%     60–70%

Governor before election Robert E. Smylie Republican Elected Governor Robert E. Smylie Republican

The 1962 Idaho gubernatorial election was held on November 6; incumbent Republican Robert E. Smylie defeated Democratic nominee Vernon K. Smith with over 54.6% of the vote to win a third term as governor. ^{[1] [2]}

Primary elections

Primary elections were held on June 5, 1962. ^{[3] [4] [5] [6] [7]}

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Vernon K. Smith, Boise attorney
• Charles Herndon, Salmon attorney
• John G. Walters, Boise, former state land commissioner
• Howard D. Hechtner, Lapwai state senator
• Conley E. Ward, Marsing schoolteacher
• Clarence H. Higer, Emmett state legislator

Results

Democratic primary results ^[3]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Vernon K. Smith	35,574	43.13
	Democratic	Charles Herndon	18,072	21.91
	Democratic	John G. Walters	13,186	15.99
	Democratic	Howard D. Hechtner	7,952	9.64
	Democratic	Conley E. Ward	5,427	6.58
	Democratic	Clarence H. Higer	2,264	2.75
Total votes			82,475	100.00

Republican primary

Candidates

• Robert E. Smylie, two-term incumbent governor
• Elvin A. Lindquist, Blackfoot mayor
• George L. Crookham, Caldwell state legislator

Results

Republican primary results ^[3]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Robert E. Smylie (incumbent)	37,761	57.22
	Republican	Elvin A. Lindquist	16,565	25.10
	Republican	George L. Crookham	11,669	17.68
Total votes			65,995	100.00

General election

Candidates

• Robert E. Smylie, Republican
• Vernon K. Smith, Democratic

Results

1962 Idaho gubernatorial election ^[8]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Robert E. Smylie (incumbent)	139,578	54.64%
	Democratic	Vernon K. Smith	115,876	45.36%
Majority			23,702
Turnout			255,454
	Republican hold		Swing

References

1. "Smylie, Church, White win; Jordan leads". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Associated Press. November 7, 1962. p. 1.
2. "Idaho election outcome termed repudiation of gambling issue". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Associated Press. November 8, 1962. p. 1.
3. Guide to U.S. elections - CQ Press, Congressional Quarterly, inc. CQ Press. 2005. ISBN   9781568029818 . Retrieved February 24, 2019.
4. Jester, Earle L. (June 3, 1962). "Idaho campaign, marked by controversy over gambling, power and taxes, approaches finish". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Associated Press. p. 5.
5. "Smith far ahead in Democratic governor race". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Associated Press. June 6, 1962. p. 1.
6. "Pro-gambling Idahoan wins: Smith apparent Smylie opponent". Spokane Daily Chronicle. (Washington). Associated Press. June 6, 1962. p. 1.
7. "Smith's victory poses problem for Democrats". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Associated Press. June 7, 1962. p. 1.
8. Cook, Rhodes (November 5, 2013). America Votes 30: 2011-2012, Election Returns by State - Rhodes Cook. CQ Press. ISBN   9781452290171 . Retrieved February 24, 2019.