Idaho Republican State Convention !

  Wow!  I attended the Idaho Republican State Convention as a Delegate this weekend, Friday and Saturday.  I have to say that it was an eye opening experience.  It is the closest look I have ever had at the working of the 'Political Machine', so to say.  There is wheeling and dealing and scratching of backs and manipulating and perhaps even some strong arming going on, but mostly it was fun and good natured and the system put into motion.  The system that is our government.  
  Having never been there before, I have nothing to compare to, but I found the atmosphere leaning towards the conservative.  I believe that is a shift.  'Things they are a changing'.  I was happy to see some of the new planks in the platform and thrilled at some of the resolutions that were passed.  We will all see how those resolutions work themselves out in the end.  It is my understanding that quite often they go through drastic changes by the time they appear on the floor of the House or the Senate for voting.  And we wonder why nothing ever gets done!  
  If you do not know what actually goes on at the Convention, whether State or National, I will fill you in with my newly gained knowledge!  The first thing that took place were the Committee meetings.  There are four committees to work on: Rules, Resolutions,  Platform, and Credentials.  One third of the delegation is chosen to be actual members of the committees, the rest of us just get to listen in.
  After lunch, we met for the opening and heard speeches from dignitaries, namely Governor Butch Otter, some awards were given out, we saw a short video and then we had a break before dinner.  If you would like to see the video, here is the link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZs8k4pJcyk
  That night we got to see the 'ranch that Melaleuca built'.  That is where the dinner was, Riverbend Ranch.  It is owned by Frank & Belinda Vandersloot, the founder and owners of Melaleuca.  (Too bad my Uncle didn't stick with that stuff, he was telling the family about it years before Melaleuca was well known.)  It was a decent meal, the speeches were mildly entertaining and the comedian was pretty funny.  
  The next day was the meat of the convention.  The items that had come out of the committees were brought to the floor for voting.  That went on and one it seemed.  But was interesting all the same.  Then we voted on the Executive Committee for the next two years.  That went quite a bit smoother than the election in my own committee at the beginning of the month, but that is another story in and of itself.  At this point, everything is a learning experience for me.  The curve is very steep right now!  
  Despite the fact that Twin Falls County made history as the first delegation to request that their entire slate of delegates be stricken, I  came away happy for the chance to participate and making plans for next year's convention.  I made some new friends, dispelled some misconceptions and feel that bridges were built and mended.  The next two years will be something, I am sure!