During an appearance on Newstalk 107.9, Senator Jim Risch addressed a recent airport encounter with his opponent, Todd Achilles, and provided insights into his campaign strategy and outlook. Risch recounted the interaction, stating he had never met Achilles before. According to Risch, Achilles approached him as he was walking in, offered a handshake, and introduced himself. Risch explained that he opted to disengage, citing Achilles’ previous negative remarks during the campaign.
Risch also clarified his long-standing position on debates. He stated that he has not participated in debates in his last half-dozen elections, finding them often unhelpful and confrontational, not only with opponents but sometimes with moderators. Risch emphasized that he has consistently won by wide margins without participating in debates and has no intention of doing so in the current race, noting that most other candidates are also choosing not to debate, with the exception of Debbie Critchfield.
The Senator then contrasted his conservative platform with that of Achilles, whom he described as an “extreme leftist.” Risch cited Achilles’ past support for allowing taxpayer dollars for transgender surgeries, permitting men to participate in women’s sports and use their locker rooms, and opposing the Republican repeal of DEI initiatives. He presented this as a “clear choice” for voters.
Regarding the campaign’s current standing, Risch discussed polling data, indicating that Achilles has struggled to break out of the mid-to-late teens in support. He also pointed out that an independent candidate is polling around 10%, potentially drawing votes away from Achilles. Risch expressed confidence in his campaign’s position, citing consistent internal and corroborative external polling with 47 days remaining until Election Day.
Addressing criticisms about his age and perceived absence from Idaho, Risch affirmed his active presence in the state. He stated that he travels home every weekend when Congress is in session, with rare exceptions, and spent his August recess extensively touring Idaho, from the northern border to Montpelier. Risch asserted that his extensive experience allows him to better serve Idahoans, and he will not apologize for the trust voters have placed in him over the years. With voting set to begin this week, he encouraged citizens to participate.
