FORMER IDAHO GOVERNOR: “RISCH SERVES IDAHOANS WELL IN THE SENATE. HE HAS MY VOTE.”

Sen. Jim Risch and I have traveled much of the same road in Idaho politics and public service.

We each served in the Legislature, as lieutenant governor, governor and in the U.S. Congress. In fact, I followed Risch into the governor’s office. So, I’ve had a pretty good view of how he operates and his leadership style.

He does his homework. I know how he studies an issue, and that once he makes a decision he’s going to get the job done.

When he was governor, Risch acted with the urgency and confidence of a leader who understood that every day in that office mattered. He called the Legislature into a special session and delivered what was then the largest property tax cut in Idaho history.

Risch doesn’t need on-the-job training, and he doesn’t get pushed around when the latest political breeze becomes a headwind. He knows what he believes, knows the people he represents and has the experience to turn Idaho values into results.

That is classic Risch: conservative, decisive and focused on Idaho.

Risch’s love for our state and its people is at the heart of his work. He understands our farmers and ranchers, our small businesses, our natural resources and our way of life. He knows Idahoans don’t want Washington running our lives, locking up our land or spending money the country does not have.

In the Senate, Risch has earned positions of real influence; not because he’s a showboat on TV but because he puts in the work. His leadership on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee gives Idaho a powerful voice at a time when America faces serious challenges around the world.

Most importantly, he never forgets that he works for us. Whether the issue is federal overreach, energy, agriculture, public lands or the Second Amendment, Risch always stands up for Idaho.

There’s something else I know about why Idaho needs Jim to stay in Congress — experience matters. And in the U.S. Senate, seniority really matters. Relationships matter. Judgment matters. Risch has all four, and Idaho benefits because he does.

As one former governor of this great state speaking about another, I am proud to endorse Risch for reelection. He has served Idaho with conviction, integrity and a deep love for our state. We need his steady leadership in the United States Senate, and I urge Idahoans to send him back to work.”

C.L. “Butch” Otter is a Republican who served as Idaho governor from 2007 to 2019. He also served as a U.S. representative, lieutenant governor and a member of the Idaho House.