Lowe files lawsuit against Idaho

By Associated Press

Story

Summary

Former ITD director files tort claim against Idaho contending, among other things, she'd been fired after refusing to relent to threats by Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter's aides not to interfere with a $50 million contract that benefits two of his campaign contributors.

Story Published: Nov 6, 2009 at 1:39 PM PST

Story Updated: Nov 6, 2009 at 1:39 PM PST

Pam Lowe

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Former Idaho Transportation Department Director Pamela Lowe filed a whistleblower lawsuit in state court and says she'll add more claims next week.

Lowe was fired July 16.

The next month, she filed a tort claim against Idaho contending, among other things, she'd been fired after refusing to relent to threats by Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter's aides not to interfere with a $50 million contract that benefits two of his campaign contributors, URS Corp. and CH2M Hill.

In Friday's lawsuit, Lowe cites a "causal connection" between her efforts to trim the contract and the Idaho Transportation Department's move to fire her.

Lowe's attorney, Erika Birch, said the claim was filed in 4th District Court this week to meet a 180-day statute of limitations in whisteblower complaints.

The rest of Lowe's claims will likely be filed next week.