U.S. Sen. James McClure, 86, RIP

J im McClure, a former chairman of the Senate Energy Committee and one of the most powerful Idahoans to ever serve in Congress, died Saturday at his home in Garden City, surrounded by his wife and three children. Known for his grasp of detail and common touch in a 24-year congressional career, the Republican was mourned by famous colleagues after the news broke Sunday afternoon. Howard Baker, a former Senate majority leader and chief of staff for President Ronald Reagan, told the Statesman, “He was steady, and when I got to positions where I could, I always depended on him for advice. He was special, and he certainly was my friend”/ Dan Popkey , Idaho Statesman. More here.

• Jim McClure remembered /Marc Johnson, The Johnson Post
• Reaction roundup: Jim McClure /Kevin Richert, Statesman
• U.S. Sen. James McClure, RIP /Randy Stapilus, Ridenbaugh Press

Question: What do you recall most re: Idaho U.S. Sen. Jim McClure?