Before the funeral, this former elected official opened up about Dirk Kempthorne’s remarkable life

Friends and colleagues are remembering Dirk Kempthorne as “a man who truly loved our state” and who could help people “feel uniquely and genuinely seen.” Former Governor Butch Otter compared him to fictional characters Atticus Finch from “To Kill a Mockingbird” and Jefferson Smith from “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.”Idaho’s 30th governor passed away on April 24 after a battle with colon cancer. His lying-in-state ceremony was held on Friday in the rotunda of the capital building in Boise. His funeral was held on Saturday at the Cathedral of the Rockies in Boise.This week on “It’s Worth Mentioning,” Rett Nelson speaks with longtime attorney, historian and former elected official David Leroy about Kempthorne’s life and legacy. As a political colleague, Leroy shares his thoughts on Kempthorne’s passing and some memories of his personal interactions with the former Idaho leader.They discuss Kempthorne's 24-year political resume, beginning with his attendance at Idaho State University in the 1970s, where he was elected student body officer.Kempthorne's first foray into elected office after college was as mayor of Boise in 1985. After seven years in that role, he successfully ran for the U.S. Senate. He returned home after one term to run for governor.Kempthorne served as Idaho's 30th governor from 1999-2006. The last few months of his second term was interrupted by a federal appointment. President George W. Bush nominated him to serve as U.S. Secretary of the Interior, which Kempthorne accepted. He served in that capacity from 2006-2009.This conversation was recorded ahead of Kempthorne’s funeral, which is now available on-demand here.Watch previous episodes here. Check out the show on Facebook. If you have a tip, guest idea or comment, email rett@eastidahonews.com.RELATED LINKS: https://www.eastidahonews.com/2026/05/idahoans-honor-late-us-interior-secretary-and-former-gov-dirk-kempthorne/https://www.eastidahonews.com/2026/05/at-kempthornes-funeral-dad-and-pop-dirk-remembered-along-with-the-public-servant/https://www.eastidahonews.com/2026/02/lessons-from-lincoln-idaho-historian-reflects-on-leadership-and-americas-250th/