Republican Jim Risch (pictured) and Democrat Walt Minnick are Idaho’s newest members of Congress. Risch, a former governor and lieutenant governor, was sworn in as a U.S. senator on Tuesday in Washington, D.C., replacing retired Sen. Larry Craig.
Risch, who defeated Democrat Larry LaRocco in November says he is eager for the challenges ahead.
US Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) comments
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Meanwhile, Minnick was among 54 freshmen members sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives.
Minnick, a former timber products company executive, is the first Idaho Democrat elected to Congress since 1992. He won the seat by defeating one-term Republican Bill Sali in November.
Minnick also was named to the House Financial Services Committee – a panel that will play a key role in developing closer oversight of the nation’s banking and financial services industries. (AP)
