Press Releases

Risch Throws Away Money as Idahoans Tighten Belts

June 3, 2008

BOISE, IDAHO — Jim Risch throws around money like an oil executive on a binge. He spends three times more for airplane flights than U.S. Senate candidate Larry LaRocco.

On Monday, fate put Risch and LaRocco on the same flight to Washington, D.C. LaRocco made the trip in coach with budget-minded travelers. But first, he had to bump past Risch who was luxuriating like a Roman emperor in the first class cabin.

United flight 5856, round-trip from Boise to Washington, D.C.:

First Class = about $3,350
Coach = $990

Senate candidates visit Washington occasionally to drum up national support for campaigns. But LaRocco refuses to waste money (find more at www.LaRoccoforSenate.com.)

That’s not something that occurs to a mega-millionaire like Risch.

Back in October, Risch announced his bid for the U.S. Senate aboard a luxury Lear 45 jet owned by Melaleuca Inc. His campaign finance report shows Risch paid Melaleuca $11,680.75 for “charter air services.”

As gas pump prices near $4 a gallon, airplane flights are extravagant expenses for middle income Idahoans. Some folks are staying home, even giving up in-state getaways to Idaho’s pristine mountains. But Risch is so out of touch with middle class struggles that he takes campaign contributions from oil company giants like Chevron and Exxon-Mobil.

Larry LaRocco says: “You govern as you campaign.” LaRocco pledges not to use corporate aircraft while campaigning or when he is elected senator. He will travel coach with the rest of us.

A question for Risch: How can Idaho trust tax dollars to a politician who spends so recklessly?