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Risch working to put Idaho first Posted: Sunday, Mar 16, 2008 - 12:46:00 pm PDT By CAROLINE LOBSINGER Staff writer
SANDPOINT - Lt. Gov. Jim Risch doesn't worry about the likelihood the Republican party may be in a minority if he wins nomination to represent as U.S. senator. His focus is on representing Idaho's diverse population, working to keep taxes down and helping businesses and the economy grow.Besides, he's no stranger to working to resolve tough issues - when Risch served as the state's 37th governor after then-Gov. Dirk Kempthorne resigned to become Secretary of the Interior, he designed a plan to manage Idaho's roadless areas and oversaw efforts that cut property taxes 20 percent. Economic development has been a priority since his days in the Idaho Senate, where he served 11 terms before being elected lieutenant governor. Good jobs, Risch said, translate into a good quality of life for the state's residents.
“Even though projected revenue is down, things are substantially better in Idaho than in the nation,” Risch said. Risch, who was in town for Bonner County's Lincoln Day luncheon, is considered by many to be the front-runner of a packed Republican field that also includes former rancher Rex Rammell, businesman Richard Phenneger, Iraq War veteran Col. Scott Syme and machinist Brian Hefner. On the Democratic side of the ballot, leading the field is former U.S. Rep. Larry LaRocco. If he wins the seat, Risch said his hope is to serve on the Energy Committee, which also weighs in on public land issues - another key issue for the state. “It's important that Idaho have a strong voice,” he added. Risch sees strong similarities between service on the state level and on the national scene. Both are important when it comes to state issues, he added. Even though there is a strong likelihood, the Republican party will be in a minority, Risch said he sees plenty of opportunities to get things done. Since, under filibuster rules neither party is truly in minority unless the other has 60 or more votes, Risch said the opportunity exists to steer debate and alter direction on issues. Making the transition from state-level politics to the national scene is something her husband will have no trouble with, said Vicki Risch. Not only is he not afraid to make a decision, he likes to get things done and works with all parties to accomplish the task at hand. “A lot of politicians talk about a climate of change,” Risch said. “I've proven I can effect change and cut taxes. How many politicians can say they actually lowered taxes?” ASimpleDad wrote on Mar 18, 2008 9:01 AM: " To OVERTAXES, nope, no one got taxed out of their homes. Sure, some might go hungry, but you don't have a right to eat you know. Nope, eating is a privilege, and you have to pay the government it's due to get to enjoy that privilege. " OVERTAXED wrote on Mar 17, 2008 4:42 PM: " NO ONE EVER GOT TAXED OUT OF THIER HOMES BY SALES TAX. SALE TAX IS THE FAIREST FORM OF TAXATION, EVEN THE "FREE LOADERS" PAY THIER WAY. GOOD FOR RISCH. " jimmy wrote on Mar 17, 2008 7:55 AM: " seems to me sales tax went up when he was govenor. just more talk. if they hold office vote them out. " Old Fella wrote on Mar 16, 2008 3:24 PM: " First, how could any Republican from Idaho know how to work with Democrats? Republicans in Idaho simply steamroll the oppostion and run the state like a Banana Republic. Next, when are the Republicans going to stop singing the same tired one note tune about lowering taxes? If the Republicans were honest, they would say they actually mean lowering taxes for the wealthy and the ultrawealthy. If Risch had any guts, he would support substantially raising the taxes of the wealthiest Americans. It is wealthy who benefit most from our capitalist system and complain bitterly about paying their fair share. What he should do is support giving the long suffering middle class a substantial tax cut. Instead, Risch just spouts the national Republican Party line and insults Idaho voters. And, judging by this biased article, it seems The Bee uncritically laps it up. " subtlefuge wrote on Mar 16, 2008 1:51 PM: " "Risch working to put Idaho first"
"His focus is on representing Idaho's diverse population, working to keep taxes down and helping businesses and the economy grow." "he's no stranger to working to resolve tough issues" "Economic development has been a priority since his days in the Idaho Senate" "Not only is he not afraid to make a decision, he likes to get things done and works with all parties to accomplish the task at hand." Well, it's crystal clear who the Bee wants to win this fall. This so-called article sounds like it was written by one of Risch's campaign staffers. I would suggest therapy to anyone who honestly thinks this piece of propaganda is even remotely close to being unbiased, objective journalism. Gimme a break! The best part, though, is that Ms. Lobsinger apparently believes Idaho has a "diverse population"! That's the funniest thing I've heard all day! " POST YOUR OPINION
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Bonner County Daily Bee
P.O. Box 159 / Sandpoint, Idaho 83864 / 208-263-9534
Bonner County Daily Bee Online is updated at 10am PST.
Nasty Ted wrote on Mar 18, 2008 5:22 PM: