Idaho GOP planning Sandpoint party in '08

Idaho Republicans are planning a grand old party in Sandpoint in June 2008.

"We are going to paint the town red!" said local Realtor Dan Young, who helped organize Sandpoint's first statewide GOP convention.

Young made the pitch to host the convention earlier this winter to the party's leadership. According to those present, Young's presentation floored the selection committee.

Young expects 400 to 450 conventioneers with another hundred spouses or children coming along. The convention will be June 12-15.

"Everyone that was at the state (GOP) winter meeting told me what a great job Dan did on the presentation. The movie, the handout, and his pitch were so compelling that party elders forced an immediate vote on which city should be awarded the convention rather than wait for the summer meeting in June," said Rep. Eric Anderson. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and our whole community will benefit from it."

Gov. Butch Otter may have helped Sandpoint's chances. During Young's presentation, the governor jumped up and down and pumped his fists in the air and yelled: "Go Sandpoint!"

Other local Republican politicians were equally pleased:

? "I think this is a terrific opportunity for the greater Sandpoint area to showcase the beauty of the area and all that it has to offer to individuals who may not have ever traveled here before. Having the convention in the shoulder season also will provide an economic boost at a time when it can be used." Sen. Shawn Keough

? "This is a huge honor and a giant challenge. Hosting a convention of this magnitude will demonstrate to other companies, groups, and organizations that Sandpoint possesses unmatched scenery, a welcoming community, and the ability to support their needs. I can see many positive outcomes for the region." Rep. George Eskridge

? "It is an honor for our community to be chosen as the site for the 2008 GOP convention. It will bring folks to Sandpoint who may have never been north of Salmon and will help bridge the north versus south gap. The financial benefit to the entire community will be a boon." Sen. Joyce Broadsword.

There are several events scheduled in our area that will coincide with this convention drawing even more people into Sandpoint, Young said. Some of the events in the planning stage: A display of The Moving Wall, the Vietnam Memorial; Rally in the Valley III, an event for "Honoring America Days"; a Saturday night concert by "Little Texas" or "Riders in the Sky"; a Flag Day ceremony, a reception of Idaho Medal of Honor Winners that will include Bernard Fisher and Ed "Too Tall" Freeman; and the invited guest list includes talk show host Laura Ingraham, Mark Fuhrman, General Eugene E. Habiger, Jr. (Ret), Ben Stein, Mitt Romney and others.

"I want to specifically acknowledge Christine Bottenfield who was the chief architect of our presentation. She finalized the movie edit and worked until 4:30 a.m. in the Grove Hotel's business center the night before the presentation cutting our written portion down from 42 pages to just four. At the end of the day it was her exceptional effort that nailed the convention for Sandpoint," Young said.

"I promised the State GOP an event that would be more than "red"; it will be Red, White, and Blue and that they will have a hard time trying to avoid tripping over their mom or a slice of apple pie," he said.