Governor’s wife asks to be Risch’s replacement

BOISE – Idaho first lady Patricia Kempthorne has asked Lt. Gov. James Risch to name her as his replacement, she told the Lewiston Tribune.

Risch will succeed Kempthorne’s husband as Idaho’s governor if Gov. Dirk Kempthorne is confirmed as the U.S. Interior secretary. Risch would choose his own replacement.

The position would last only eight months, until a new governor and lieutenant governor are elected.

“I’m not a campaigner,” Patricia Kempthorne said. “It’s a good fit.”

If tapped, she would serve as president of the state Senate and serve as acting governor when Risch is out of the state.

Risch, who plans to seek another term as lieutenant governor in the November election, said it was too early to comment, but he joked that the list of interested people was getting longer.

Patricia Kempthorne said she was spurred by friends to ask about the job. She said her business background would make her a good fit for the temporary position.