MITCHELL: Risch has run his course

Jim Risch has been in political office, almost continuously, since 1970. He has held five different elected positions and amassed a personal fortune, according to the Washington Post, in excess of $54 million, making him one of the wealthiest members of the U.S. Senate.

In an interview with the Idaho Statesman in May 2013, Risch revealed his personal priorities. Being governor “will wear you down,” he said. “You can’t do that job permanently. This (the Senate) you can do ad infinitum.”

But to what end? What has Risch done for Idaho?

Time and again, Risch has voted against everyday people. He has voted against seniors, the disabled, veterans, college students, women and children. He has voted to shut down the government and defaulted on our nation’s debt, all the while enjoying the Washington, D.C., social life. He is, quite simply, out of touch.

It is time for someone new to represent our great state. I know Nels Mitchell to be a hardworking and honest man of integrity. He has been successful, but has never lost touch with his middle class background. Unlike Jim Risch, Nels Mitchell doesn’t take the view, “I’ve got mine. The rest of you are on your own.” Rather, he wants all Idahoans to have a realistic chance at the American Dream.

Idahoans would be well-served by replacing career politician Jim Risch with Nels Mitchell. We need a senator who will represent our interests, not his own.

JAN WILLIAMS

Boise