The letter arrived at President Pro-Tem Brent Hill's office recently, and he brought it with him to an Idaho Press Club luncheon. Joined by House Speaker Scott Bedke, Hill read the letter aloud.

"I'm 10 years old and I live in Madison County." The Madison Middle School student said he had a couple of questions, which he introduced with statements. "This is just a school assignment. I really do not care about your answers." Then he went on to prove that fifth-graders can be plain-spoken and polite at the same time.

"Are you busy? If you are, sorry to interrupt you." And then:

"How old are you? If you won't tell, I totally understand." After thanking Hill for participating, the student warned: "My teacher says you have to write back."

And about those two questions? Hill, R-Rexburg, is usually pretty busy. The accountant has been running the show in the Idaho Senate since 2011. And he's 63 years old.