The Senate today confirmed Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne (R) as the 49 secretary of the Department of the Interior.

Kempthorne was confirmed by a voice vote. He faced no significant opposition from members of either party.

Kempthorne has experience with water rights, gaming, sovereignty and tribal natural resource issues. Some tribes in Idaho say they have had a positive relationship with him although the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes declined to support him.

Once Kempthorne is sworn in, it is expected the White House will move on other vacancies at Interior, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs position that has been vacant for more than a year.

Get the Story:
Kempthorne confirmed at Interior (The Denver Post 5/26)
Acting Secretary Scarlett Commends Senate On Confirmation Of Dirk Kempthorne As Secretary Of The Interior (DOI 5/26)

White House Announcement:
President Bush Nominates Dirk Kempthorne as Interior Secretary (March 16, 2006)

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