Gov. Jim Risch, who he says is a savvy politician who has long wanted to join the Senate.

NPR: Idaho Begins Process of Replacing Sen. Craig

Olympia Snowe of Maine and James Risch of Idaho, asked why AbdulMutallab was read his Miranda rights so quickly.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

And the national Republican Party could also likely count on Risch to hold on to the seat in next year's election.

NPR: Idaho Begins Process of Replacing Sen. Craig

Jim Risch, the Republican lieutenant governor, has long said that he would like to run for the seat if Craig stepped down.

NPR: Craig Arrest Leaves Idaho Senate Seat in Doubt

Risch would then go into the 2008 elections as a clear favorite in a state that hasn't elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1974.

NPR: Warner's Move Adds to Growing GOP Senate Woes