Mike Crapo: “when the 2006 session of the Idaho State Legislature adjourns this year, it will signal the end of an era. The…”

“when the 2006 session of the Idaho State Legislature adjourns this year, it will signal the end of an era. The longest-serving speaker of the Idaho House of Representatives will be retiring. Bruce Newcomb, a rancher from Burley, will leave the legislature after a total of 20 years. He spent the past four terms as speaker and leaves boots that will be difficult to fill, to say the least. Bruce and I served together in the legislature in the late 1980s. My former colleague is a thoughtful man of principle and a terrific sense of humor. Bruce is also one of my closest friends. Over the years, I have worked with him on many issues important to Idaho, and I know that I can always turn to him for solid advice and counsel. His reputation for cooperation and collaboration is well deserved. He consistently seeks out fair and just solutions to policy challenges, even the more contentious and divisive such as water issues and term limits. Nevertheless, Bruce is unafraid to take a respectful but strong stand when circumstances require it. He earned such loyalty among colleagues and coworkers that when he lost his hair in a bout with cancer in the 1990s, many of them shaved their heads in a show of solidarity. Bruce takes his public service very seriously. Idaho has gained from his wisdom, love for our State and ability to see clearly a path forward. Idaho's legislature is losing a remarkable man who has served all Idahoans faithfully and with excellence.…”