LaRocco announces candidacy for Craig’s U.S. Senate seat

BOISE – Former Idaho Congressman Larry LaRocco formally announced Wednesday – via webcast – that he’s running for the U.S. Senate.

LaRocco, a Democrat who served two terms representing the 1st Congressional District, posted a video on his Web site, www.laroccoforsenate.com, saying he’ll seek the seat now held by Idaho’s senior senator, Republican Larry Craig. Craig hasn’t yet said if he’ll seek re-election in 2008.

The announcement was just the latest example of the growing role of the Internet in Idaho political campaigns. Past candidates have used the medium for fundraising, advertising and live chats with prospective voters.

In his announcement, LaRocco said he wants “a new direction based on the core Idaho values of independence, accountability and responsibility.”

Also in the race is Republican Robert Vasquez, a Canyon County commissioner who announced months ago that he’d take on Craig in the GOP primary due to his differences with Craig over immigration issues; since then, Vasquez also has applied for an open legislative seat in District 10, where Rep. Bob Ring, R-Caldwell, retired.

If Craig chooses to retire, many other candidates are likely to jump into the race for a shot at a rare open seat in the U.S. Senate.

Among those considering it is Lt. Gov. Jim Risch, a Republican who just faced off against LaRocco in the November lieutenant governor’s race.