Mike Crapo: “I give a well-deserved ``thank you'' to a member of my staff who recently left the U.S. Senate. Ted Koch was with me a…”

“I give a well-deserved ``thank you'' to a member of my staff who recently left the U.S. Senate. Ted Koch was with me a short time as a congressional fellow on leave from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and has since returned to Idaho. During this experience here, I benefited from his expertise and abilities, and wanted to let him know how much I have appreciated his contributions. Ted stepped into the breach upon the departure of my staff director at the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Water. He filled the role expertly and with great enthusiasm. I appreciate that Ted aspires to principles embodied by another ``Ted,'' President Theodore Roosevelt. He deeply enjoys and understands the ecology of hunting and fishing. He strives to make progress. Ted and I both believe that the best hope for people and wildlife in Idaho is to defend property rights. With greater certainty about the inherent value of property, landowners have the confidence and freedom to advance their own ideas for conservation. These qualities and beliefs make Ted a valuable spokesman for intelligent conversation in Idaho. He has made himself a friend of Idaho through his friendships in the State and here in Washington. I appreciate his invaluable participation on my staff, and wish him well in future endeavors. I have no doubt about his continued success.”