Morning News: Former Idaho Official Has Key Role In HP Laptop Deal, Job Growth & Unemployment Both Rise In Last Report Before Election Day

Ex-Official Has Role In Laptop Deal – “A former Idaho state official now with Education Networks of America would play a key role under the state’s $182 million, eight-year contract for laptop computers for high school students.” Idaho Statesman

What $180,000,000 Gets You – “The Idaho Division of Purchasing negotiated directly with five total vendors before awarding a contract to HP.” Times-News

Otter appears in pro-reform ad – “The latest campaign ad in Idaho’s school reform fight features Gov. Butch Otter endorsing Propositions 1, 2 and 3 in a positive, feel-good message.” Spokesman.com

Job growth, unemployment rate rose in October as workers re-entered labor force – “The unemployment rate rose to 7.9 percent, up from 7.8 percent, but the reason behind the uptick also points to an improved job market. Some 578,000 more Americans counted themselves as part of the labor force, and only 410,000 more people reported having a job. ” The Washington Post