BOISE, Idaho (AP) _ U.S. House hopeful Raul Labrador says he
won't join the National Republican Congressional Committee's
candidate recruitment and training program, further breaking ranks
with the GOP mainstream.

Labrador did not specify a reason for opting out of the ``Young
Guns'' program, which recognizes promising Republican candidates
and coaches them through their campaigns, providing assistance.

A candidate's participation is also a sign of national GOP
interest in their respective district.

Labrador's campaign says his goals are the same as those set for
candidates in the NRCC program, but achieving ``Young Gun'' status
has never been a priority.

Labrador is challenging Democratic U.S. Rep. Walt Minnick for
Idaho's 1st Congressional seat and this is not the first time he
has demonstrated a willingness to buck his party.


(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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