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Eastern Idaho Elk Rancher Enters GOP Senate Race

BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- An eastern Idaho veterinarian and former elk rancher say he intends to compete in the 2008 Republican primary for the U-S Senate seat held by veteran Republican Larry Craig.

Rex Rammell, of St. Anthony, is the latest Republican to express interest Craig's job. Craig, now in his third term, says he will announce later this summer his plans to run for re-election.

Rammell, 46, says he is hoping for the chance to compete for Craig's seat against former Idaho Governor Jim Risch.

Risch, Idaho's Lieutenant Governor, has expressed interest in running, but says he is waiting to see if Craig seeks another term.

Rammell made headlines last summer when 160 elk escaped his ranch, sparking a dispute with the state and a debate over whether the state should regulate the elk ranching industry.

As governor, Risch ordered the Idaho Department of Fish and Game to kill Rammell's elk to prevent the possible spread of disease to wild herds.

Rammell was later arrested and acquitted for tussling with state wildlife officials and hunters hired to kill the elk.

Now Rammell says he is eager to go head-to-head with Risch on the political landscape.

Risch declined to comment on a potential primary involving Rammell.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)