U.S. Senate Candidates Face Off in Idaho Falls

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Story Published: Oct 13, 2008 at 9:25 PM MST

Story Updated: Dec 18, 2008 at 3:01 PM MST

By Jennifer McGraw

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IDAHO FALLS - The race for U.S. Senate in Idaho has been drawing attention from both major parties.

This traditionally 'Red' state has a candidate who says he is ready to dive in and create change.

"I think people want change and I think that they want somebody who will go back to Washington D.C., who gets it and who's really in touch with the working families of this state," said Democrat Larry LaRocco.

LaRocco and Independent Rex Rammell have participated in a number of debates around the state, while Lieutenant Governor Jim Risch has only attended one, in Lewiston last week. Risch was invited to the Idaho Falls debate, but said he wasn't given enough notice.

From the economic downpour, to energy, to the war, the two candidates who did square off were on different sides of the fence.

"I would not have supported the bailout," said Rammell.

"We need to put a good regulatory structure together," said LaRocco.

"What is your plan to lower skyrocketing health care cost for Idaho and millions of Americans?" asked moderator Neal Larson.

"I think we can really move toward universal health care," replied LaRocco.

"I don't believe the solution will ever be found with more regulations. I believe the best thing to do is get government out of it," says Rammell.

And when it comes to energy, the candidates also differed?

"We need to drill and take advantage of what we have at our disposal," Rammell said.

"I support development of alternative sources of energy. I think this is the way we are going to end our dependency on foreign oil," said LaRocco.

The debate lasted one hour, ending with closing statements.

"I think I'm the one that's in touch. I think I'm the one that gets it. I think I'm the one that understands what working families are going through and I want to put the working families at the front of the line, not the back of the line," LaRocco said.

"I would represent Idaho in the United State Senate as a strong conservative and I believe that's what Idaho needs," said Rammell.

The next debate will be held later on this week in Twin Falls.

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