Thoughts About Jim Risch's Strange U.S. Senate Campaign

There's been a lot of speculating of late about Lt. Governor and Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Jim Risch.  Unlike his main opponent, Democrat Larry LaRocco, Risch appears to be doing virtually no campaigning and seems to want to debate LaRocco and independent Rex Rammell as little as possible.  Many are surmising that Risch is 'sitting on a lead' (and the LaRocco campaign is more than willing to provide you with articles and blogs of various political pundits making that point in case you missed it).  Here are a couple.

"So the short answer to 'Why isn't Risch campaigning? Why won't he debate?' is probably, 'Because he thinks he doesn't have to.'" Jill Kuratis, newwest.com

"It's not that Risch is incapable of talking about what it will take to be an effective senator, or where he stands on the issues. It's just that, as he runs a very detached and distant campaign, he's not doing much talking at all with the voters."  Kevin Richert, Idaho Statesman

Many seem puzzled by Risch's behavior but think it may be strategic.  I'm not and I don't because I have a rather unusual theory about it.  I think Risch is acting this way because I'm just not sure that in his heart he really wants the job.

I've only met Jim Risch a few times, but he has an established reputation in state politics.  Risch was the back-room wheeler-dealer when he was in the legislature ... the guy who had deep connections in Idaho's Republican inner circle and got things done.  One insider told me his knowledge of the workings of the Idaho State Legislature is unparalleled.  Part of the reason why his property tax reform proposal was successful while he was acting Governor was because Risch instinctively knew which arms to twist and which favors to call in.  He is so at home inside the Idaho Statehouse, I'm surprised he hasn't been hospitalized for 'Rotunda withdrawl' while the building is closed for renovation.

But for Jim Risch, Washington D.C. and the U.S. Senate would be like serving in a foreign country, and a rather hostile one at that.  As much as Risch knows about Idaho, he seems to know very little about the rest of America.  National issues don't appear to intrigue him.  I get the feeling having to work alongside Democrats like Hillary Clinton and Harry Reid as equals (if not a less than an equal) would disgust him.  And of course, his relative insignificance in D.C. compared to his more substantial influence here in Boise might frustrate him.  He would be a strange man in a strange land, not in love with the institution like Sen. Craig or as respectful of its power and stature and reach as Sen. Crapo.

A year ago, I blogged about my hope Attorney General Lawrence Wasden would challenge Risch in the primary once it became clear Larry Craig had toe-tapped his way out of any chance of re-election.  Part of that was because Wasden had expressed a heartfelt desire to be a U.S. Senator and I wanted to see how hard Risch would fight for that chance as well.  I didn't believe then and I don't believe now Risch's heart is in it.

Jim Risch doesn't want to be a U.S. Senator from Idaho.  He wants to be the elected Governor of Idaho.  Anyone who saw the 'Tazmanian Devilish' energy Risch applied in the few short months he had that job could see that and most credit him with doing a good job.  Compare it to the demeanor he is showing today.

Of course, Risch can't be Governor.  That job is taken likely for another 6 years, which just so happens to be the term of a U.S. Senator.  Am I the only one who doesn't think that's a coincidence?

Comments

[Steve Kasper]

Don't fall into the trap that LaRocco is trying to set for the media. There is a lot of time left between now and election day and a lot of campaigning to do. Risch has been out there campaigning across Idaho at fairs, rodeos, parades, etc. Just because he hasn't agreed to a debate in July does not mean he is not working hard. These proposed debates by either LaRocco (or Minnick in the Cong race) are just gimmicks done by candidates that are losing in the polls/not getting tracking and are trying to get some cheap publicity. How many times have we seen Obama and McCain debate so far? None. The campaign process is a long one but the actual election season in which the voters and the media pay attention is short. Time will come closer towards election day when Risch/LaRocco/Ramrell have a few spirited debates and LaRocco/Ramrell they will get just what they are asking for. Unfortunately for them sometimes what you ask for is not always what you want. Risch likely run circles around them debating real issues about our country instead of LaRocco talking about all of these "real jobs" he did for a day (what kind of a "real job" does anyone have for just one day? A "real job" you have to wake up and do it again the next day as well) or Ramrell complaining about how the State of Idaho came down on his Elk Farm.