Dirk Kempthorne

Dirk Arthur Kempthorne (born October 29, 1951), became governor of Idaho in 1999. A Republican, he previously represented the state in the United States Senate.

Related Topics:
October 29 - 1951 - Idaho - Republican - United States Senate

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Kempthorne was born in San Diego, California and graduated from the University of Idaho in 1976. Kempthorne's first major political victory was in 1985 when he became the mayor of Boise. As mayor Kempthorne became very popular and was reelected in 1989 completely unopposed.

Related Topics:
San Diego, California - University of Idaho - 1976 - 1985 - Mayor - Boise - 1989

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In 1992 Kempthorne defeated Democratic U.S. Representative Richard H. Stallings for the Senate seat held by Steve Symms, who was retiring. In the Senate Kempthorne sponsored and helped pass a bill prohibiting Congress from imposing unfunded federal mandates on states. Kempthorne was expected to run for reelection in 1998, but instead decided to run in the open seat gubernatorial race after the incumbent, Phil Batt, shocked the state by announcing his retirement after only one term in office.

Related Topics:
1992 - Democratic - U.S. Representative - Richard H. Stallings - Steve Symms - Phil Batt

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Kempthorne won the ensuing election in a landslide, receiving 68 percent of the vote while his Democratic opponent, Robert Huntley, received only 29 percent. He was reelected in 2002 with 56 percent of the vote, compared to his Democratic opponent, Jerry Brady, who polled 42 percent. Kempthorne is notable for his conservative views, particularly on economic issues.

Related Topics:
Democratic - Robert Huntley - 2002 - Jerry Brady - Conservative

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Kempthorne will not be a candidate for reelection in 2006.

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