Vasquez drops out of Senate race

BOISE – Robert Vasquez, a former Canyon County commissioner and vocal foe of illegal immigration, said Wednesday he is ending his bid for the U.S. Senate, citing an inability to meet early fundraising targets.

Vasquez was one of several Idaho Republicans sizing up their chances in 2008 if incumbent Sen. Larry Craig decides not to seek a fourth term.

Craig, 61, has said he will decide by fall whether to run again.

“We have been unable to meet the funding goals, which are required to run a viable campaign,” Vasquez said in a statement. “I cannot in good conscience continue to raise funds, without the viable chance to run a winning campaign.”

Even though Craig has not committed, others are considering whether to fill a political void.

Earlier this month, former Republican Gov. Jim Risch, currently the lieutenant governor, said there is a “reasonable likelihood” he’ll run if Craig doesn’t.

Democrat Larry LaRocco, a former Idaho congressman, has already announced his intentions to seek his party’s nomination.

Vasquez, who lost the May 2006 primary for Idaho’s 1st District congressional seat, has been an outspoken critic of the government’s immigration policy.

“My last words on this matter are to encourage the winner of this race to take a firm stand in the defense of America and the state of Idaho,” he said.

“We must stop the efforts to grant amnesty to millions of illegal aliens in our country.”