Idaho Lieutenant Governor Jim Risch (pictured left) has elected to not engage in an Idaho Public Television debate between U.S. Senate candidates later this month. The Republican reportedly doesn’t like the format, which would allow for direct exchanges between the candidates that he fears could become negative. Instead, Risch has agreed to appear on a separate debate May 14th sponsored by Boise television station KTVB and other media. That debate will be taped, then broadcast on several outlets statewide. In that format, candidates will not be allowed to address each other directly. It’s the second consecutive election where Risch has opted out of the live public TV debate, which has been a staple of Idaho politics for four decades. In 2006, Risch balked at a live matchup with Democrat Larry LaRocco. Idaho Public TV, the League of Women Voters and the Idaho Press Club say Risch’s refusal undermines healthy political discourse.
(AP)