If Republicans maintain control of the U.S. Senate next year, Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo could become chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, a panel with broad jurisdiction over the nation’s financial institutions, insurance, the housing industry, securities markets and more. But that’s a big “if.” “It’s probably around a 50-50 chance at this point in time. But until they get an actual nominee for president, we’re not going to have really great odds on this,” said Joshua Huder, a senior fellow with the Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown Industry, which tracks Congress. Crapo is circumspect about his chances/Betsy Russell, Eye on Boise. More here.

Question: I want the old Mike Crapo back -- not the one of the last few years who has been neutered by fear of the Idaho Tea Party. How about you?