U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, spent Monday morning in the jury pool at the Ada County Courthouse. But when he explained his schedule to 4th District Judge Darla Williamson she excused him from serving. The Senate reconvenes next week and Risch said he told Williamson, "I have to cast a vote and if I'm not there, there's a chance a U.S. marshal will be looking for you or me." "I think I will excuse you," Risch said the judge replied. Risch said the criminal trial was scheduled for three weeks. As a former prosecutor -- Risch was a deputy for two years and then elected to two-year terms in Ada County in 1970 and 1972 -- Risch said he guessed the defense attorney would likely have used a peremptory challenge to remove him from the jury/Dan Popkey, Idaho Statesman. More here.

Question: Should Sen. Risch have been excused from jury duty?