Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne (R) was offered the Interior Secretary job on the morning of Thursday, March 16, Bloomberg News reports. He went to the White House in the afternoon for the announcement.

"I did not wake up this morning thinking I would be named," Kempthorne told reporters that day. "I've not been back to the hotel to change my suit."

Kempthorne happened to be in Washington that day to meet with the state's congressional delegation and to speak to military officials. President Bush called him in and offered him the job.

Get the Story:
From Brothel Owner to Park Ranger, Interior Secretary Roams Far (Bloomberg News 3/21)

White House Announcement:
President Bush Nominates Dirk Kempthorne as Interior Secretary (March 16, 2006)

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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