BOISE - Idaho Democratic Party Executive Director John Foster is calling on the governor to “leave politics out” of his decision to replace Sen. Larry Craig, should he resign.

"We would hope Governor Otter… appoints a statesman who can serve Idaho for the next year and a half, and allow the people to elect their next senator," Foster told NewsChannel 7. "That way the people can decide who their next senator should be."

Foster said his party suggests someone like former Republican Senator Jim McClure, former Republican Governor Phil Batt, or former Democratic Governor Cecil Andrus.

The Associated Press is quoting GOP leaders as saying Otter would appoint Lt. Gov. James E. Risch to the seat, however a spokesperson for Otter denies the report.