1. What is the single best thing the U.S. Senate can do to help stimulate the American economy?
2. What is the best thing the U.S. Senate can do to help stimulate Idaho's economy?
3. What are your views on the Second Amendment of the Constitution?
4. What is the single biggest challenge facing Idaho and how can you, as senator, help the state face this challenge?
Larry LaRocco
Age: 62
Party: Democrat
Government Experience: Elected in 1990 to Idaho's 1st Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Re-elected in 1992 and defeated in 1994.
Occupation: Founded LaRocco & Associates, a public affairs/government relations practice that eventually merged with Fleishman-Hillard Government Relations.
1. First the immediate crisis must be resolved and credit markets restored. Second, Congress needs to address the regulatory system. Third, the federal budget must be balanced, which is why I support a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. Fourth, the economy needs to be energized by investing in infrastructure and alternative energies such as wind, solar, biomass and geothermal. Fifth, our nation's health-care system must be restructured to avoid the next major economic catastrophe. Finally, our nation needs to return to tax fairness.
2. The administration's pending economic stimulus proposal does not represent the best interest of working families and would further add to the skyrocketing national debt. Instead of stimulus checks, Congress should enact a broad-based public works program to rebuild Idaho's infrastructure, and invest in alternative sources of energy, both of which will create well-paying jobs. I have taken 35 jobs across the state, working shoulder to shoulder with Idahoans. Working families are hurting and need some relief from the high costs of gas, food, education and health care.
3. As a Westerner, I know we must do more than simply support the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. When I was in Congress, I sponsored the "LaRocco Gun Amendment," which made certain hunting could continue in the Mojave Desert. Because of my work to protect the rights of hunters, the NRA's "American Rifleman" said, "Rep. LaRocco deserves the thanks and support of hunters and the NRA members nationwide for standing up to the extremists and for his commitment to our hunting heritage." I will continue that commitment in the Senate.
4. Idaho faces the challenge of losing seniority and influence in the U.S. Senate, especially on natural resource issues. As a former congressman, I will have seniority over other new senators in securing a seat on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. As a congressman, I worked with Sen. Crapo to resolve the roadless lands and wilderness issues for Idaho. I will work hard to help pass legislation to protect the Owyhee canyonlands and the Boulder-White Clouds. This legislation, as well as other vital legislation for Idaho, will require the active support of a senator in the majority party for passage.
Jim Risch
Age: 65
Party: Republican
Government Experience: Began his political career as Ada County prosecuting attorney. Served 11 terms in the Idaho Senate, seven months as governor of Idaho and is currently Idaho's 37th lieutenant governor.
Occupation: Small-business owner, rancher/farmer and senior partner in the Risch Goss Insinger Gustavel law firm.
1. I do not support bailing out Wall Street and would have voted no on the $700 billion-dollar bailout package. Now that it has passed, however, Congress must go to work to restore Americans' confidence in the markets. We must bring those who are responsible for this mess to justice, so Americans trust that those who were reckless with taxpayer dollars will not go unpunished. We must also make sure proper oversight is in place so this never happens again. Once taxpayers are protected, the government must get out of the way and allow American markets to work.
2. Taxes and the cost of energy affect all Idahoans every day. Congress must make the 2001-2003 tax cuts permanent, because if they are allowed to expire in 2010, Idaho families will pay thousands of dollars more in taxes. Gas prices may be dropping now, but it's only a matter of time before they start climbing again. Congress must pass a comprehensive energy plan that allows the exploration and drilling of U.S. oil reserves as a short-term bridge to the long-term solution of developing all forms of clean energy such as wind, solar, geothermal, clean coal and especially nuclear.
3. I believe it is every American's right to bear arms if he or she chooses. I am an avid hunter, and in fact, collect antique guns. I am the only candidate in this race who has been financially supported by the National Rifle Association.
4. The greatest challenge facing Idaho is ensuring economic stability and prosperity in our great state. I will work to bring good jobs to Idaho and keep them here, just as I did as your 31st governor. I am committed to protecting Idaho taxpayers as Congress helps Wall Street out of this mess and guaranteeing that every Idaho tax dollar spent to bail out Wall Street is paid back.
