Risch, Simpson call for Aug. 2 GOP meeting

BOISE (AP) - Idaho's GOP congressional leaders say state party leaders should meet Aug. 2 to determine who's in charge and achieve unity.

GOP Sen. Jim Risch and Rep. Mike Simpson issued a joint statement Tuesday saying that they agree with Gov. Butch Otter that members should respect the date members have chosen to scrutinize their party leaders' qualifications.

Their announcement comes after weeks of division between far-right conservatives and establishment Republicans fighting over when the state central committee should meet this summer.

Embattled GOP Chairman Barry Peterson had set a meeting for Aug. 9 but has since said he's open to compromise.

Peterson has maintained he remains the party leader even though last month's chaotic GOP convention ended with Republicans failing to elect a new leader.