Marge Chadderdon
Party: Republican
Age: 66
Personal: Raised in Montana on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. Widowed. Was married to Keith Chadderdon. Four grown children: Doug, Julie, Jan Olsen and Jody Anderson. Nine grandchildren.
Education: Graduated from Froid (Montana) High School in 1955. Associate teaching degree from the College of Great Falls (Montana).
Professional: Retired after selling family floor-covering business, which is now Great Floors, to children. Opened Carpet Center, a Coeur d'Alene retail store, in 1976. Eventually expanded across Idaho and into Washington. Before opening Carpet Center, owned a wholesale floor-covering business that serviced four western states. Did student teaching and some substitute teaching.
Political: Life-long activity in the Republican Party both in Montana and Idaho. Helped start the Coeur d'Alene unit of the Federation of Republican Women in 1995, which is associated with the National Federation of Republican Women. The unit has the largest membership in state, with about 165 members.
Key issues: Economy: The main concern is how do we keep and how do we arrive at good jobs. The economy is the first question people seem to ask. Taxes: Can’t do much about property tax because it's a county issue. Feels the state should control its budget, just like she did for the family business. Idaho shouldn't spend its money before it gets it. Global competition: Have to let businesses compete globally and that means reducing the environmental constraints put on companies. Need to make sure there are tax incentives for businesses. Need to keep a good tax base. Knows of Washington businesses that are moving to Idaho because the business climate and tax system is better.
Money raised/spent: As of Oct. 25: Raised: $23,653 Spent: $20,702
Top contributors: $800 in-kind donation from Great Floors, owned by Chadderdon's son. $3,500 personal loan. $250 from Miller Brewing and Timber PAC. $1,000 from the Freedom Fund, Washington, DC. $250 from (Rep. Butch)Otter for Idaho.
Quote: "I was able to live the American Dream of owning my own business. The finances were my responsiblity. My job was to say 'No.' That's the same consideration I feel I have in regards to your taxpayer dollars."
Key influence: Mother and father.
Favorite book: "Tuesdays with Morrie"
First priority if elected: Make sure there is more review of state programs to decrease the amount of duplication.
Website: None
Email: margechad@hotmail.com
