Dirk Kempthorne
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Dirk Arthur Kempthorne (born October 29, 1951), an American Republican, became governor of Idaho in 1999. He previously represented the state in the United States Senate.
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.
In 1992 Kempthorne defeated Democratic U.S. Rep. 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.
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.
Kempthorne will not be a candidate for reelection in 2006.
| Preceded by: Richard B. Eardly | Mayor of Boise 1985–1993 | Succeeded by: H. Brent Coles |
| Preceded by: Steve Symms | United States Senate - Idaho 1993–1999 | Succeeded by: Mike Crapo |
| Preceded by: Phil Batt | Governor of Idaho 1999– | Succeeded by: Incumbent |