The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (http://energy.senate.gov) will start the confirmation hearing for Interior Secretary nominee Dirk Kempthorne on Thursday, May 4.

Kempthorne, the Republican governor from Idaho, was nominated on March 16. He would replace Gale Norton, who left the Interior Department after five years under the Bush administration.

The Coeur d'Alene Tribe and the Nez Perce Tribe say they have positive relationships with Kempthorne. But the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes say Kempthorne is too pro-industry.

During his tenure as Idaho governor, Kempthorne waded into tribal gaming, water rights, sovereignty, natural resource and other issues.

Related Story:
Idaho leaders weigh in on Dirk Kempthorne (Indian Country Today 4/28)

Relevant Links:
Coeur d'Alene Tribe - http://www.cdatribe.com
Nez Perce Tribe - http://www.nezperce.org
Shoshone-Bannock Tribes - http://www.shoshonebannocktribes.com
Gov. Dirk Kempthorne - http://gov.idaho.gov

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