Jim Risch of Idaho became the nation's newest governor on Friday, taking over for Dirk Kempthorne, who was confirmed and sworn in as the new U.S. secretary of the interior on the same day. Risch's formal inauguration is scheduled for this Friday (June 2).
A few interesting tidbits about the transition. First, Risch is running for re-election for lieutenant governor in November, even though he'll be serving as the top exec in the until then.
Second, in the meantime, Risch can pick his own lieutenant governor. Already, a familiar name has already surfaced, reports the Idaho Statesman:
Risch has yet to announce whom he will appoint as lieutenant governor. Idaho law requires Senate President Pro Tem Bob Geddes to "serve as acting lieutenant governor" until Risch names a replacement.
Kempthorne's wife, Patricia, asked Risch to consider her for lieutenant governor. She has said she's not sure she wants to move to Washington.
