Larry LaRocco
Democrat

Rex Rammell
Independent

-Small businessman
-Caldwell, Idaho native

Jim Risch Bio

James E. Risch, currently serving his second term as Idaho’s 37th Lieutenant Governor, holds a longstanding commitment to public service and a passion for good government. Known for “pragmatic decision-making,” Risch is what his peers call a “no-nonsense, get-the-job-done leader” with 37 years of experience in elected office.

Most recently, Risch served as Idaho’s 31st Governor. During that time, Risch called a special session of the Idaho Legislature to bring much needed property tax relief to Idaho taxpayers. This act created a strong and protected source of funding for Idaho public schools.

Governor Risch began his career in public service at the age of 27, when he was elected to two terms as Ada County Prosecuting attorney. Following his tenure as president of the Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association, he served 11 elected terms in the Idaho State Senate. His time as Senator was highlighted by his quick election to the leadership positions of Majority Leader and Senate President Pro Tempore.

Governor Risch received a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from the University of Idaho and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Idaho, College of Law. He served on Law Review and the College of Law Advisory Committee at the University of Idaho. He is a small business owner, a rancher/farmer and senior partner in the Risch Goss Insinger Gustavel Law firm.

Governor Risch and his wife Vicki Risch, the former First Lady of Idaho, have been married for 39 years. They have 3 sons, 2 daughters-in-law and 6 grandchildren.

Reasons Why Jim Risch is Running for the U.S. Senate

The issues most important to me are also those most important to Idaho. Building up our economy, solving the needs of energy and protecting the freedoms of Idahoans from higher taxation and unnecessary government intrusion are all areas I am ready to go to work day on one in the US Senate.

Throughout my years of public service the citizens of Idaho have placed a great deal of trust in me. I believe I have returned that trust with results and integrity. That service and the lessons I have learned along the way have prepared me for the challenges that I would face in the U.S. Senate, if once again the voters of Idaho select me to serve them.

Jim Risch Comments on Partisanship

In 37 years of public service I have come to understand that partisanship is not a productive route to good solutions. As a member of Senate leadership, I came to learn that compromise between a strong minority party and Governor of an opposing party, is essential to getting the work of government done. I believe that partisanship in Washington has gotten out of control. I am committed to do my very best to work together and work hard to end the bickering, just as I have demonstrated I can do in the past.

Larry LaRocco Bio

Larry LaRocco has never met a challenge he didn't like. That makes him an ideal candidate in starting-to-turn-purple Idaho, where he's running for an open U.S. Senate seat. Though Larry's heart is with the working people of Idaho, he's no stranger to Washington D.C., or to leadership either. He served two terms in the U.S. House in the 90's, where he earned a reputation for hard work, bi-partisanship and honest brokering. His efforts helped preserve both Idaho's precious natural resources and the access to public lands that hunters, fishermen and all Idahoans treasure as their birthright. Among other accomplishments, Larry authored the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Act, which preserved a unique Idaho environment for sportsmen, conservationists and all Idahoans to enjoy, now and in the future.

Military officer, Congressman, businessman, husband, father and grandfather – that just about sums up Larry LaRocco. He and Chris have been married forty years; they have two children and one grandchild.

Rex Rammell Bio

Rex was born January 2, 1961 in Tetonia, Idaho, a small rural town near Yellowstone National Park and the Teton Peaks Mountain Range. Home to the Rammell family since 1898, Teton County, was the ideal place for a boy to grow up and develop a love for the outdoors. Rex’s father and grandfather taught him the skill of hunting and fishing, a tradition the Rammells valued above all others. As a young boy and then to manhood Rex either had a fishing pole or a rifle in his hands.

Rodeo has also been a love of Rex’s since he was a boy. When they were old enough, Rex and his younger brother Gary, learned how to ride roping calves. During the summers through high school Rex and his brother had their own business cutting post and poles in the mountains. They worked all week and rode bulls on the weekends. They continued to ride bulls into their twenties and Rex even became an accomplished bull fighter. He is still a big fan of the sport today.

Following high school Rex served a two year mission for the LDS church in Tokyo, Japan. Upon his return he married his high school sweetheart, Lynda in 1983. The two made their plans around Rex becoming a Veterinarian and Lynda a teacher. They both received Bachelor degrees from the University of Idaho. From there it was on to Kansas State University where Rex received a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1989. He was honored as Cum Laude for his academic achievement. Following graduation Rex and Lynda bought a Veterinary Clinic in Idaho Falls, Idaho where Rex practiced until 1995.

In 1994, Rex decided to try his hand at elk ranching, a novel agricultural enterprise in Idaho. He enjoyed raising elk so much that he sold his veterinary practice and made ranching his full time occupation. In 1995, while Lynda and the kids watched after the elk during the week, Rex went to Utah State University and received a Masters degree. From 1994 to 2007 the Rammells owned and operated a successful elk ranching business.

Rex and Lynda have four children.