Risch announces re-election bid

U.S Sen. Jim Risch announced Thursday that 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 of 44 years, Vicki, have three sons and six grandchildren.

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 U.S. Senate in 2008.

In 2014 the primary election will be held May 20, with the general election Nov. 4.