MOSCOW - Larry LaRocco looked for support from young people Wednesday, as he visited the UI campus.

The Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Idaho Senator Larry Craig was shaking hands and speaking about the need for change in Washington, especially in light of the current financial meltdown.

"The approval rating of Congress is very low and they know that there hasn't been oversight," said LaRocco. "They also know that the policies of lax regulation have not worked. The tax policies have driven this economy into the ditch and driven the deficit sky high. They know that something has to be done, and that we have to have change."

LaRocco said Wednesday night’s Senate vote on the economic rescue plan was a critical one.

"The situation is dire, it's serious and we better pass something and get those credit markets in line," said LaRocco. "...provide some liquidity for this market and make sure we have short term borrowing back on track."

LaRocco said he is encouraged by how young people are getting involved in this election year.

"This election is not about my job, it's about their jobs, and their future," said LaRocco. "Where the state is going to go and where this country is. This is the most important election of our lifetimes collectively. We have to get this one right. I'm so happy to see the young people of this state get so energized about this election."

LaRocco took part in a forum Wednesday night at UI with Independent candidate Rex Rammell. LaRocco said he was also looking forward to finally getting a chance to debate Republican candidate Jim Risch next Wednesday night.

"We’ve got the debate tonight at the University of Idaho," said LaRocco. "Unfortunately Jim Risch won't be at that, but I am looking forward to the KLEW debate in a week. I think this is going to be a great exchange and the people of Idaho deserve this type of exchange. I've been trying to get Risch into the public forum so he could explain his vision for Idaho and I could explain mine. Unfortunately, he has been in a bunker and he has not been willing to debate, but KLEW was able to coax him out of that bunker. I think we are going to have a good one."


Note: KLEW-TV is producing and carrying the Senate debate live at 6:30 next Wednesday night, as LaRocco, along with Risch and Rammell will face off at the Lewiston Community Center. The Lewiston Tribune and Moscow-Pullman Daily News are co-sponsoring the debate with KLEW.