Michael Wetherell Papers, 1963-1977

Judge Michael Wetherell was born on March 2, 1945, in Redding, California, to Robert and Rose Wetherell. He worked on an improvement crew for the Idaho Bureau of Land Management in 1964, and as a copywriter for Boise's KBOI Radio and Television from 1966-1967. Wetherell graduated from the University of Idaho in 1967 and received a law degree from George Washington University in 1972. He passed the Idaho State Bar in 1972.

Wetherell worked for Senator Frank Church in Washington, D.C., from 1967 until 1977. He served as Church's legislative assistant from 1967-1972, chief legal counsel from 1972-1974, and administrative assistant from 1975-1977. As his assistant and counsel, Wetherell attended meetings with and for Senator Church, researched and provided material and information for Church's speeches and meetings, helped write speeches, and handled correspondence and scheduling. Wetherell was also an active participant on Church's 1976 Presidential campaign.

Wetherell resigned from Senator Church's office in 1977 and opened a law practice in Boise, Idaho. The following year he joined the law firm of Martin, Chapman & Hyde. Wetherell served as a member of the Boise City Council from 1988-1992 and again from 2002-2003. Wetherell was elected as a district judge in 2003, a position he continues to serve in.

Wetherell continued to be active in politics, serving as a delegate to the Idaho state Democratic Conventions in 1979, 1983, 1984, and 1986, and the national Democratic Convention in 1992. He also served as chairman of the Idaho State Democratic Party from 1991-1993.

Wetherell married Karen L. Mackenzie in August 1969. They have three children. He currently resides in Boise, Idaho.

Sources: Congressional Staff Directory, 1973. Who's Who in America, 2005.