Risch turns down debate invitation

Sat., Sept. 2, 2006

John Miller Associated Press

BOISE – Republican Gov. Jim Risch on Friday rejected an invitation from Idaho Public Television and the League of Women voters to appear in a Nov. 1 statewide televised debate with Larry LaRocco, his Democratic rival in the lieutenant governor’s race.

Instead, Risch, who had expressed concern over the format of the league event, has agreed to square off against LaRocco during an Oct. 10 debate, to be televised by NBC-TV affiliate KTVB, which broadcasts in the Boise region.

Last month, Risch told the nonpartisan league and Idaho Public Television that he wanted to appear separately from LaRocco, then exit the set while LaRocco took his turn answering questions. Risch said he feared “disruptive behavior” from his opponent should they go head to head, though he hasn’t provided specifics of his concerns.

Jason Risch, the governor’s son and campaign coordinator, said Friday his father did agree to appear on the set of the Oct. 10 event at the same time as LaRocco.

LaRocco, who had challenged Risch earlier this week to “put up or shut up” over the league debate, said he’s disappointed the governor won’t take him on in a forum that will be broadcast statewide.

“It’s a perplexing decision, and it’s a shame because Idaho’s voters are the losers,” LaRocco said Friday. “He’s basically cheated the people of Idaho out of hearing the debate over the second-highest position in Idaho government.”

The decision had to do with the format and the audience of the Oct. 10 debate, said Jason Risch, though he declined to give specifics. The younger Risch said the KTVB debate will be the “most productive to communicate the candidates’ various positions.”

“Unfortunately, the governor’s schedule does not allow him to accept every invitation,” Jason Risch said.

Jim Risch took over for former Gov. Dirk Kempthorne in June after Kempthorne was named U.S. interior secretary. By then, Risch had already declared his intention to seek re-election as lieutenant governor.

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