GOP: ID convention was a huge success

SANDPOINT — As many as 1,000 Republicans flooded into Sandpoint over the weekend for the party’s biannual state convention, marking the culmination of months of preparation from local GOP leaders.

By all accounts the convention went off without a hitch, with party elite like Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter and Rep. Bill Sali, R-Idaho, mingling with the state’s rank-and-file Republicans at local restaurants and hotels.

“I think it went terrific,” said Bonner County Republican Chairman Verna Brady. “I was trying to think of any glitches, but it seems to have flowed really well. Everyone thought it was a great event.”

The three-day convention was held at the Bonner County Fairgrounds and featured a full spectrum of political activity, from streamlining the party’s platform to assigning delegates for the GOP national convention.

Among those in attendance was state Sen. Shawn Keough, R-Sandpoint. Like Brady, Keough was extremely pleased with the way the convention took shape and was thankful that Sandpoint was given host city honors.

“This kind of thing usually happens 500 miles away, so to be able to see it and be part of it and observe the process was really educational and informative. It was neat to be able to provide that opportunity,” Keough said.

Both Brady and Keough praised board and staff members from the Bonner County Fairgrounds, but hinted they would like to see a permanent convention center in Sandpoint for future events.

“Not that the fairgrounds didn’t work well, but it would be nice to have separate rooms for meetings and have someone set things up,” Brady said.