Oregon Public Broadcasting

Idaho U.S. Senate candidates Larry LaRocco and Jim Risch traded harsh words about their personal financial dealings during a debate Tuesday in Boise.

Democrat LaRocco claimed his Republican opponent had a profit motive when he called a special legislative session in 2006 to consider a property tax cut.

Larry LaRocco: “When he was governor, he passed a property tax relief bill where he personally benefitted at least $53,000 and maybe up to $250,000, based on the property that he owned. But he never disclosed it to the people of Idaho.”

Risch called the charge outrageous. He said he’s never paid more than $10,000 a year in property taxes.

He offered to resign from the race if LaRocco could prove his charge and called on LaRocco to do the same if the charge is shown to be false.

The two men then traded barbs about oil. LaRocco charged Risch with taking huge contributions from big oil companies. Risch fired back.

Jim Risch: “Mr. LaRocco is big oil. He owns thousands of shares of big oil companies. Every time you fill your car, he’s putting money in his wallet. I am not criticizing him for that at all. He can choose to invest his money wherever he wants. But to do that and then to stand here and criticize other people for it is absolute total hypocrisy.”

Tuesday night’s debate was sponsored by KTVB Television in Boise.

Another Idaho U.S. Senate debate is scheduled for Thursday night on Idaho Public Television. But Republican Jim Risch is not expected to attend.