Former Rep. Larry LaRocco (D), running an uphill battle for Senate in the conservative Gem State, has been endorsed by retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark.

“Larry is a seasoned, experienced leader who will bring the change we need to the U.S. Senate,” said Clark, who ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004. “He served with distinction, not only in our military but also in Congress, and he can win this race. It is wide open.”

The Republicans do not yet have an announced candidate in this race, but earlier this year, popular Lt. Gov. Jim Risch (R) said he would run if Sen. Larry Craig (R) did not — which in light of the scandal surrounding Craig’s arrest in a Minnesota airport bathroom is now a certainty.

Risch, who has also served as acting governor, last year beat LaRocco by 19 points in the race for lieutenant governor.

— David M. Drucker