Born in Richland, Washington; 1972 graduate of Emmett High School; Treasure Valley Community College and Boise State University, B.S. Political Science; LDS; President of Youth Soccer Association for 10 years; Chairman, Payette River Regional Technical Academy Charter School; author of ten books: “The Thayn Doctrine,” “Improving the Rx,” “Parent’s Guide to Idaho Education,” “A New Political Covenant,” “Reclaiming Health CARE,” “Prosperity,” “The Plan,” “Reprogramming Government,” “The Family,” and “Road to Venezuela”; spouse: Sheryll; children: Damon, Derrick, Tyler, Tabor, Micah, Marcus, Chelsey and Carli; 22 grandchildren.