BOISE -- With Idaho's most powerful Republican leaders supporting Lt. Gov. Jim Risch, most political experts say he'll easily best his seven opponents for the GOP nomination for United States senate in the May 27th primary.

In which case, it will likely be political déjà vu with Risch running against the probable nominee of the Idaho Democratic Party, Larry LaRocco.

LaRocco, a former U.S. congressman, has an opponent in the Democratic primary, David Archuleta of Fort Hall. But if it's not LaRocco versus Risch in the fall, somebody will have pulled off one of the biggest political upsets in Idaho history.

Sen. Larry Craig did not resign after his arrest in the Minneapolis airport bathroom sex sting scandal, but he's not running for re-election. And his senate seat is perhaps the biggest prize in Idaho politics this year.

It wouldn't be the first time Risch and LaRocco have been opponents in a campaign. Risch defeated LaRocco in 2006 in the race for lieutenant governor, but LaRocco says things have changed.

"This is totally different than '06," LaRocco said. "People want change at the national level."

One thing hasn't changed. Risch is again staying away from live debates on Idaho Public Television, preferring a taped format on a local commercial TV station. The former governor says live debates lack civility.

"You get far afield from the issues, and into personalities, and personal attacks," said Risch. "And people don't like that."

LaRocco sees it differently. "Risch's dodge of statewide debates sends a huge message that he's arrogant, that he takes voters for granted."

When it comes to issues, Risch says it's important to stimulate the economy.

"The House and Senate need to march to the floor and make permanent the tax cuts of 2001 and 2003," he said. "They now are due to expire Dec. 31, 2010."

For LaRocco, a key policy issue is health care.

"We need affordable health care," he said. "We need a new system to reduce economic insecurity."

LaRocco says after the Larry Craig bathroom sex scandal, Idaho Republicans are vulnerable. But Risch thinks what happened with Craig won't hurt his campaign.

"Idaho voters know all about me," he said.