WASHINGTON, DC, March 16, 2006 - Governor Kempthorne’s voting record does not provide reason for unbridled optimism. But as he moves from representing the people of Idaho to a nationwide constituency, we hope that he will take to heart his new responsibility to all Americans, who own the lands he will be overseeing, and strive for greater balance than Gale Norton ever achieved. We urge him to emulate the last Idahoan to serve as Interior Secretary: Cecil Andrus.

Congress should seek some assurance that the governor will not see his role as maximizing oil and gas drilling and other development schemes on our public lands. The person in this position has a duty to future generations, who are entitled to inherit our national parks and other natural treasures -- in sound condition.