Dirk the daring uniter

As Governor, Dirk has been a responsible steward of Idaho's 30 state parks and recreational trail ways that serve millions of visitors each year. He has launched the statewide Experience Idaho initiative, which will fund needed improvements within Idaho's state parks, to preserve public spaces, and expand recreational opportunities for visitors.
-- Bush Nominates Dirk

The governor's parks plan, known as "Experience Idaho," also seems in jeopardy, as does the multimillion-dollar vision he had for the roads plan known as "Connecting Idaho." The latter plan, which has weeks to go before it becomes final, is unlikely to reach every corner of Kempthorne's dream map. Likewise, although budget writers set up some funds for repair and maintenance of parks, the final budget numbers could be well short of the $34 million vision Kempthorne laid out in January.
-- Down in the Dirk

I heard a clear direction from you, Mr. President, when we met earlier today. You stated that if confirmed, you want me to reach out to all constituent groups, to seek bipartisan support, to find common ground, and to build consensus.
-- Bush Nominates Dirk

As for Connecting Idaho, Kempthorne publicly fretted that it was turning into "Dividing Idaho," and he's not far off. Late last week, Cameron stewed in his office refusing to see an official from the Idaho Transportation Board because he was, he said, "furious with them."

With the session likely to close by the end of this month, and with legislative leaders drawing up their to-do lists for the remainder, Kempthorne seems frozen out.
Down in the Dirk

Ahh, but given his stellar environmental record as a Senator, he'll be sure to be able to unite corporate interests and their Republican yes-men "wise local leaders" and the federal government as DOI chief.