It's more than a year before the primary election, but Idaho Sen. Jim Risch announced today that he'll seek re-election in 2014. "When I ran for this office just over four years ago, I said our country was facing many challenges," Risch said in a statement. "Those challenges not only remain, they have gotten worse." Click below for Risch's full announcement.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2013
SENATOR RISCH SEEKS RE-ELECTION BID
Boise, Idaho – U.S Senator Jim Risch announced today he will seek to retain his Senate seat in the 2014 election.
“I will run for re-election in 2014,” said Risch.When I ran for this office just over four years ago, I said our country was facing many challenges.Those challenges not only remain, they have gotten worse.The federal government is attempting to fully take over healthcare, our annual deficit and national debt are out of control and the rights of states continue to be trampled upon.Idahoans are opposed to the ever-growing role of the federal government in their lives, and my votes in the Senate have reflected that sentiment.”
Risch pointed to his support of legislation such as the repeal of Obamacare, requiring a balanced budget amendment, auditing the Federal Reserve and state involvement for designating national monuments as in line with Idaho constituents.“I hear from thousands of Idahoans each week and they overwhelmingly support less federal spending, balancing the budget and limiting federal involvement in their lives,” he said.
Risch and his wife Vicki, of 44 years, have three sons and six grandchildren.Risch said he relishes the challenge to continue fighting for smaller government, despite being in the minority party.He said that while at times it is frustrating to deal with gridlock and the unwillingness to grapple with the serious budget problems facing the country, he remains optimistic that the problems can be overcome.
“While there are wide differences on some issues, on others we can overcome our differences.I have worked on many bipartisan bills that will solve problems, such as allowing for timber harvest of moth-ravaged trees, developing geothermal energy on federal lands, allowing ski areas to expand business and compensation for those exposed to radiation from testing fallout, to name a few,” Risch said.“Once everyone understands the seriousness of the country’s fiscal issues, solutions can be found working together.”
Risch began his public service with two terms as Ada County prosecuting attorney before being elected to the Idaho State Senate in 1975, serving through 1988.He returned to the state Senate in 1995 and in 2002 he was elected lieutenant governor.Risch was re-elected in 2006 after serving as Idaho’s 31st governor.He was elected to the United States Senate in 2008.
In 2014 the primary election will be held May 20, with the general election November 4.
Betsy Z. Russell joined The Spokesman-Review in 1991. She currently is a reporter in the Boise Bureau covering Idaho state government and politics, and other news from Idaho's state capital.
