LaRocco issued this statement on Thursday, October 4, 2007:

Boise—Larry LaRocco, the only declared candidate for the U.S. Senate seat in Idaho, today called on the 29 Idahoans who want an appointment to the U.S. Senate to declare their candidacy.

 “Idahoans want their representatives to be elected in an open campaign and not decided behind closed doors in secret,” LaRocco said. 

 “It’s crystal clear that Senator Larry Craig will not run for re-election in 2008, and there is a very large probability he will choose to serve out his term.  Therefore, the 29 applicants should do as I have done and step up to the plate and start meeting with voters instead of interviewing with Governor Otter.  A seat in the U.S. Senate should not be a gift, it should be earned the old fashioned way, hand over hand, debate by debate in every county of Idaho,” LaRocco said.  “Idahoans want to chart a new direction for our state and America.  We should have a campaign not a coronation.”

“I committed to Idahoans I will work shoulder to shoulder with them over an 18 month period to listen to their concerns about the direction of Idaho and our nation.  I will earn their vote and stand for election in full view of the public.  If 29 Idahoans want to become U.S. Senators, they should do the same.  Time is running short.”

LaRocco announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate on April 11, 2007.  Since June he has had 11 jobs across Idaho listening and learning.  LaRocco will continue working with Idahoans throughout the remainder of the campaign and after he is elected to the U.S. Senate.  

LaRocco served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1991–1995 from Idaho’s First Congressional District.  He is a veteran and businessman and was recently endorsed by General Wesley Clark. 

LaRocco has raised almost $200,000 from 1,000 contributors since the start of his campaign in April. 

For more information, view LaRocco’s website at  www.laroccoforsenate.com.