Senator Risch Plans to Run in 2014

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho's freshman U.S. Senator says he plans to run for re-election in 2014. Sen. Jim Risch confirmed his intentions Thursday. Risch — a 70-year-old former state senator, Lt. Governor and Idaho's 31st Governor — won his first term in 2008 when he collected more than 57 percent of the vote to beat Democrat Larry LaRocco.

Risch says the goals of a second term would be similar to those of his first four years in office — limiting the role of the federal government and reducing the federal deficit. In the U.S. Senate, Risch serves on committees focused on ethics, intelligence, foreign relations and natural resources.

Among his first-term achievements, Risch cites his efforts to reduce federal spending, develop geothermal energy resources and voting against President Obama's health care overhaul.