For the week of June 27 - July 3, 2001

Republicans to invade Blaine County in 2002

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By GREG STAHL
Express Staff Writer

Blaine County, Idaho’s traditional Democratic stronghold, will host the state’s Republican Party Convention next year for the first time in nearly 25 years.

The convention will be held in Sun Valley on June 15-18, 2002, and will precede the November elections in which nearly every elected official in the state will be up for re-election.

"We are thrilled to have been chosen as the hosts for this convention," said Maurice Charlat, Blaine County Republican Party chairman. "We have been working very hard to rebuild the party infrastructure in Blaine County, and are hoping that by the time the convention rolls around, we will have in place a model county organization."

The GOP will bring more than 650 delegates, alternates and their families to the Wood River Valley for the four-day convention. Delegates will consider the party platform, rules and resolutions. In addition, the convention is expected to feature appearances by the Idaho congressional delegation and statewide politicians.

"We are excited to bring our convention to Sun Valley," Idaho Republican Chairman Trent Clark said. "This is a great opportunity for our members to experience one of Idaho’s best recreation spots while taking care of party business."

Clark said that while he sees value in two-party politics, it is his job to help strengthen Idaho’s Republican Party. He said Blaine County is "the place where there’s work to do."

"Very clearly, the Idaho Republican Party is not ignoring Blaine County," he said. "I’m trying to recruit Republicans with a fairly high environmental ethic. We need Blaine County Republicans to be an environmental conscience."

Blaine County Republicans are riding a wave of building momentum that began nearly six months ago when several of the group’s key positions were refilled.

"We are in the reformative stage," Charlat said.

Wood River Valley Republicans Latham Williams and Darlene Bramon were appointed state committee chairs, and the two were instrumental in the successful bid for the 2002 convention, Charlat said.

"This convention, I believe, is going to bring a lot of people out who would not have come out if the convention were not here," Charlat said. "It means it’s time to go to work."

Boise, Nampa and Blaine County submitted bids to host the convention. Boise and Nampa withdrew their bids when they saw the quality of Blaine County’s bid, Clark said, because "Blaine County is better organized."

The Idaho Democratic Party has not yet set dates for its 2002 convention, which will be held in Burley.

"It needs to be moved around the state," Idaho Democratic Party Executive Director Patty Nance said. "That really gives the counties an opportunity to shine."

Nance played down the idea of conventions’ contributing to building support for their parties.

"It’s a wonderful tribute to the people who live there, but I don’t think it’s anything that goes to the heart of party building."

 

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