Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Jim Risch has hired Chris Socha as his new legislative director. Socha most recently served as senior policy advisor to U.S. Senator Jim DeMint, R-S.C., and will support Risch's legislative priorities-particularly those related to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources and Foreign Relations committees. He replaces Corey McDaniel who has moved to India where his wife works for the U.S. Department of State.

"Chris has a wealth of experience in dealing with legislative issues on Capitol Hill that will allow him to step into this job without missing a beat. His knowledge of energy, defense and foreign policy will especially be an asset," said Risch.

"I look forward to serving a great senator, and working hard to implement Senator Risch's vision to meet the needs of the people of Idaho," said Socha.

Socha is a graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, with a bachelor's degree in political science and psychology. He has studied national security strategy at the Institute of World Politics in Washington, D.C., and is also a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Air Command and Staff College.

Joining Socha in Risch's Washington, D.C., office is Peter Storms, who has been hired as a staff assistant. He will help manage incoming calls and office visits from Idahoans. Storms is a Boise native and graduate of the University of Oregon with a bachelor's degree in planning, public policy and management. He most recently served as an intern in Risch's Washington, D.C., office.

Risch has also hired Jan Cook as a correspondence management specialist in his Boise office. Cook hails from Fairfield and is a graduate of Boise State University. She has experience in both the Idaho governor's office and state legislature and will assist Risch in managing all incoming correspondence with Idahoans.

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