Idaho's Risch, Minnick sworn in to Congress

Republican Jim Risch and Democrat Walt Minnick are Idaho's newest members of Congress.

Risch, a former governor and lieutenant governor, was sworn in as a U.S. senator on Tuesday, replacing retired Sen. Larry Craig.

Minnick was among 54 freshmen members sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives.

Minnick, a former timber products company executive, is the first Idaho Democrat elected to Congress since 1992. He won the seat by defeating one-term Republican Bill Sali in November.

Risch, who defeated Democrat Larry LaRocco in November, said he is humbled and honored to serve as senator, adding that he is eager for the challenges ahead.

Risch resigned Tuesday as lieutenant governor and was replaced by state Sen. Brad Little, R-Emmett.

Risch said his service as governor and lieutenant governor - and his 22 years in the Idaho Senate - should help him in his new post.

"I am ready to get to work with Senator Mike Crapo on the important issues facing our country," Risch said.

Minnick, meanwhile, was named to the House Financial Services Committee - a panel that will play a key role in developing closer oversight of the nation's banking and financial services industries.

"We are going to redo the regulatory statutes for the nation's financial institutions," Minnick said, adding that the issue is crucially important to Idaho, where unemployment has spiked in recent months.

Crapo, a Republican, accompanied Risch as he was sworn in by Vice President Dick Cheney. Crapo and Risch have known each other for decades.

"Idahoans will appreciate the fact they have two United States senators who take a collaborative approach to problem-solving and will continue to be careful and frugal with the taxpayers' money," Crapo said in a statement.

Together with Minnick and Republican Rep. Mike Simpson, "Idaho will have a delegation that will be known for an open door, bipartisan approach to the issues facing Idaho and the nation," Crapo said.

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