BOISE, Idaho – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) issued the following statement upon the passing of former Idaho Governor and Secretary of the Interior, Dirk Kempthorne:
“Vicki and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Dirk Kempthorne, a faithful public servant who made a lasting mark on Idaho and our nation. From his time as Boise Mayor, U.S. Senator, Governor, and Secretary of the Interior, to his leadership of The Peregrine Fund and the USS Idaho Commissioning Committee, Dirk always had Idaho at the forefront of his efforts,” said Risch. “Idahoans owe a debt of gratitude to Dirk Kempthorne and his tireless work in strengthening what he calls the ‘43rd star in the galaxy of states that make up the greatest nation in the world.’ I am honored to have known Dirk, to have served alongside him, and to have called him a friend. He will be greatly missed.”