Kempthorne, Dirk Arthur (1951-…), became United States secretary of the interior in 2006. President George W. Bush appointed him to the Cabinet post. Prior to becoming interior secretary, Kempthorne served as governor of Idaho. A Republican, he represented Idaho in the U.S. Senate prior to becoming governor.
Kempthorne became Idaho’s governor in 1999. As governor, Kempthorne focused attention on children’s issues in the state. He put emphasis on improving early childhood development, reading skills, and schools. He also made efforts to increase the number of children being vaccinated against diseases.
Kempthorne was born in San Diego on Oct. 29, 1951. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Idaho in 1975. From 1975 to 1978, he served as executive assistant to the director of the Idaho Department of Lands. He was the executive vice president of the Idaho Home Builders Association from 1978 to 1981. In 1982, Kempthorne managed the political campaign of Phil Batt, who failed to win election to the office of governor of Idaho. From 1983 to 1986, Kempthorne served as Idaho public affairs manager for FMC Corporation, a manufacturer of chemicals and machinery.
In 1985, Kempthorne was elected mayor of Boise, Idaho’s capital and largest city. He was reelected to the post in 1989. While Kempthorne was mayor of Boise, redevelopment plans helped the city revive its downtown area and grow into a thriving regional center.
In 1992, Kempthorne won election to the U.S. Senate. He resigned as Boise’s mayor in 1993, just before taking his Senate seat.
Kempthorne won election to the office of governor of Idaho in 1998 and took office in 1999. He was reelected in 2002. The U.S. Senate confirmed Kempthorne as interior secretary on May 26, 2006, and Kempthorne resigned as governor the same day.
