Associated Press - November 9, 2009 1:44 PM ET

BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Some political watchers are worried that Idaho's nonpartisan races are becoming increasingly partisan.

Boise State University political scientist emeritus Jim Weatherby told The Spokesman-Review he sees a disturbing trend toward more partisanship in city elections. Weatherby says a lot of issues that confront city council have less to do with ideology and more to do with problem-solving skills.

The Idaho Republican Party Central Committee passed a resolution in June calling on party members to participate in nonpartisan local elections and saying that the party should identify and support Republican candidates to city councils and school boards.

Idaho Democratic Party Executive Director Jim Hansen says the party doesn't endorse candidates in nonpartisan elections but does encourage people to get involved in their communities at all levels.

Information from: The Spokesman-Review, http://www.spokesmanreview.com

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