Eye On Boise: Ah, Make That Gov. Risch …

New Gov. Jim Risch had this to say in a statement: “The Secretary of State received Governor Kempthorne’s resignation letter by fax at 12:57 p.m. Friday and in accordance with the Constitution and statutes I became the governor. I am truly humbled by this opportunity. Vicki and I love this state and its people, and I will vigorously fulfill my responsibilities as the state’s Chief Executive.” He added, “This is a big day for Idaho and we are very excited for Dirk Kempthorne. I told him we are very proud of him, and he can be proud of his public service here in Idaho. I know that he will make Idahoans and the nation proud with his service as our Secretary of the Interior.” Risch said in a press release that when he told Kempthorne that, Kempthorne responded, ‘Jim, you will make a great governor for Idaho.’”

Betsy Russell/Eye On Boise has the Kempthorne-Risch transition covered like the proverbial blanket. You can find Kempthorne (hiding a broken foot injured in a jogging accident over the weekend) with Larry Craig, Mike Crapo and Bill Frist here , statements about Dirk by Idaho’s U.S. senators here , what Risch was doing this morning before the announcement here , and what’s ahead for Kempthorne’s now-former PR flack Mike Journee here .