Dirk Kempthorne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dirk Kempthorne
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Official portrait, 2006
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| 49th United States Secretary of the Interior | |
| In office May 26, 2006 – January 19, 2009 |
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| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Gale Norton |
| Succeeded by | Ken Salazar |
| Chair of the National Governors Association | |
| In office August 19, 2003 – July 20, 2004 |
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| Preceded by | Paul Patton |
| Succeeded by | Mark Warner |
| 30th Governor of Idaho | |
| In office January 4, 1999 – May 26, 2006 |
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| Lieutenant | Butch Otter Jack Riggs Jim Risch |
| Preceded by | Phil Batt |
| Succeeded by | Jim Risch |
| United States Senator from Idaho |
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| In office January 3, 1993 – January 3, 1999 |
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| Preceded by | Steve Symms |
| Succeeded by | Mike Crapo |
| 51st Mayor of Boise | |
| In office January 6, 1986 – January 5, 1993 |
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| Preceded by | Richard Eardley |
| Succeeded by | H. Brent Coles |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Dirk Arthur Kempthorne
October 29, 1951 San Diego, California, U.S. |
| Died | April 24, 2026 (aged 74) Boise, Idaho, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Patricia Kempthorne
(m. 1977) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | San Bernardino Valley College (attended) University of Idaho (BA) |
Dirk Arthur Kempthorne was an American politician. He was born on October 29, 1951, in San Diego, California. He passed away in Boise, Idaho, on April 24, 2026, at the age of 74.
Kempthorne was a member of the Republican Party. He held several important public offices. These included serving as a U.S. Senator for Idaho. He was also the 30th governor of Idaho. Later, he became the 49th U.S. Secretary of the Interior under President George W. Bush.
Contents
Dirk Kempthorne's Life and Career
Early Life and Education
Dirk Kempthorne grew up in San Bernardino, California. He attended San Gorgonio High School. After high school, he went to San Bernardino Valley College.
He then moved to Moscow, Idaho, to attend the University of Idaho. In 1975, he earned a degree in political science. This field of study focuses on how governments work. While at the university, he was also elected as the student body president.
After college, Kempthorne worked for the Idaho Department of Lands. He also served as an executive for the Idaho Home Builders Association. In 1983, he became a public affairs manager for FMC Corporation.
Starting in Politics: Mayor of Boise
Dirk Kempthorne began his political career in 1985. At 34 years old, he was elected Mayor of Boise. As mayor, he became very popular. He was reelected without opposition in 1989.
Serving in the U.S. Senate
In 1992, Kempthorne ran for a seat in the United States Senate. A U.S. Senator represents their state in the national government. He won the election, becoming a Senator for Idaho. He served in this role from 1993 to 1999.
Working for Safe Drinking Water
During his time in the Senate, Kempthorne worked on important laws. He helped pass the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995. This law aimed to stop the federal government from making states do things without providing money to help them.
He also introduced changes to the Safe Drinking Water Act in 1995. This law helps make sure that the water we drink is clean and safe. President Bill Clinton signed these changes into law in 1996.
Environmental Views
Some groups, like the League of Conservation Voters, track how politicians vote on environmental issues. During his time in the Senate, Dirk Kempthorne's voting record was often seen as not supporting environmental protection by these groups.
Governor of Idaho
In 1998, Kempthorne decided to run for governor of Idaho. The governor is the leader of a state government. He won the election by a large margin. He was reelected for a second term in 2002.
As governor, Kempthorne worked on issues important to the people of Idaho. He served until 2006, when he took on a new role in the national government.
U.S. Secretary of the Interior
In 2006, President George W. Bush chose Dirk Kempthorne to be the United States Secretary of the Interior. This job involves managing the nation's public lands and natural resources. The United States Senate approved his nomination. He resigned as Idaho Governor to accept this position.
Kempthorne was the second person from Idaho to hold this important Cabinet role. Former Governor Cecil Andrus also served as Secretary of the Interior.
Protecting Natural Resources
As Secretary of the Interior, Kempthorne oversaw many national parks, wildlife refuges, and other public lands. Some environmental groups had concerns about his approach to environmental laws. They believed he sometimes favored business interests over strict environmental protection.
During his time, fewer new plants and animals were added to the U.S. Federal Endangered Species list. This drew attention from some environmental advocates.
Public Discussions and Decisions
Some environmental groups disagreed with new rules regarding the protection of endangered species. They filed a lawsuit, arguing the rules could reduce protections for wildlife.
There was also public discussion about the cost of renovating his office bathroom. The Interior Department clarified that the project was approved by the General Services Administration and came in under budget.
See also
- Wise Use Movement
- List of people from San Bernardino, California § Politics
- List of people from Idaho
- List of people from Boise, Idaho
- List of University of Idaho people § Government
- List of mayors of Boise, Idaho
- List of governors of Idaho
- List of United States senators from Idaho
- List of new members of the 103rd United States Congress
- List of United States senators in the 103rd Congress
- List of United States senators in the 104th Congress
- List of United States senators in the 105th Congress
- List of former United States senators
