Idaho White Supremacist Makes Run At Public Office

Associated Press/August 7, 2003

Hayden, ID -- The aging and ailing founder of the Aryan Nations says he is running for mayor of Hayden, near the site where his white supremacist compound was once located.

Eighty-five-year-old Richard Butler says he wants to use the office of mayor as a platform to talk about what's wrong with America. Butler preaches Christian Identity theology, a belief that white Christians are the master race and that all others are sub-human.

Butler is suffering from congestive heart failure and relies on bottled oxygen and prescription pills.

Mayor Ron McIntire is seeking re-election this fall and is unfazed by Butler's announcement. He says the white supremacist just wants a forum.