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Tuesday marks change for Idaho's leadership

The new congressional delegation will consider massive spending on public works, the feasibility of new dams and public lands protection.

BY KATHLEEN KRELLER - kkreller@idahostatesman.com

Published: 01/05/09


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Katherine Jones/Idaho Statesman

Gov. Butch Otter will announce Idaho's next lieutenant governor Tuesday - a day of some pretty big changes among Idaho leaders.

Otter's pick to replace sitting Lt. Gov. and Sen.-elect Jim Risch is a hot topic among Idaho lawmakers as the Legislature prepares to deal with a sluggish state economy and falling tax revenues.

Risch and Democratic Rep.-elect Walt Minnick will be sworn into office Tuesday as Congress reconvenes to talk about an economic stimulus package and other issues, including a massive lands bill that has Idaho impacts. Risch is replacing retiring U.S. Sen. Larry Craig, and Minnick defeated Republican Rep. Bill Sali in November.

The new Congress could start spending billions on infrastructure projects, which could bring cash to Idaho and other states.

Plus, Senate Democrats have said they will rekindle a giant public lands bill that includes a proposal by Craig to spend $3 million to study the feasibility of new dam and reservoir projects on the Snake, Boise and Payette rivers - and GOP Sen. Mike Crapo's bill to protect wilderness and public land ranchers in the Owyhees.

Otter will announce his pick for lieutenant governor at a press conference at 11 a.m. Tuesday.

Otter said he planned to speak about the job with more than 30 people including state Sens. Robert Geddes and Brad Little, House Majority Leader Mike Moyle and many more.

Kathleen Kreller: 377-6418

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