[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Page 19060]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         COMMENDING JIM FISHER

  Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of Jim Fisher 
and his contribution to my home State of Idaho. For much of the past 
three decades, Jim has worked at the Lewiston Morning Tribune--first as 
a political reporter and then as an editorial page editor.
  Over the years, Jim and I have crossed paths several times, 
particularly on the opinion page. In most cases, our views on a given 
issue were not congruent. On the few occasions when Jim and I shared 
the same opinion, I especially had to take a second look at my 
position. But you could always count on Jim to be grounded--he always 
thought the issue through before reaching an opinion. He challenged his 
readers to think and question their assumption or knowledge about an 
issue. He relished being a lightning rod and getting people to talk 
about the subject of the day.
  During my time as an Idaho State senator, Governor, and now as U.S. 
Senator, Jim has continued to challenge me to reach for solid, grounded 
thinking. In doing so, I respect and value his viewpoint even when we 
disagree. His desire was to make his community and state a better 
place. He wanted to give a voice to those that could not be heard. Jim 
Fischer did his job well.
  I extend to Jim my thanks for his many years of outstanding work on 
the editorial page in promoting critical thinking on the issues 
important to Idaho. Vicki and I wish him the best in his retirement.

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