Washington, D.C.- U.S. Senator Jim Risch has hired Dr. Corey McDaniel as his new legislative director, replacing Ryan White who is leaving to pursue foreign relations work in Washington, D.C.  McDaniel most recently served as senior energy policy advisor to second-ranking Republican U.S. Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona.

"It is very beneficial to have someone of Corey's expertise step into the legislative director position.  His vast experience with energy issues, along with his knowledge of the Idaho National Laboratory and Capitol Hill will be invaluable," Risch said.

McDaniel will support the Senator's legislative priorities, particularly those related to his committee assignments as the Ranking Member of the Energy Subcommittee on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and on the Foreign Relations Committee.

"I look forward to serving another great senator from the west, particularly in my role of implementing Senator Risch's vision for comprehensive and rapid responses to his constituents," said McDaniel.

Before coming to the Senate in 2005, McDaniel managed a renewable energy development firm.  He also served as a nuclear safety analyst at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in his home  state of New Mexico.  McDaniel earned his doctorate in environmental science and public policy at George Mason University.  He also earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in nuclear engineering at Purdue University and the University of New Mexico, respectively.

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