For the week of June 12 - 18, 2002

GOP convention 
kicks off Saturday 
in Sun Valley

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By GREG STAHL
Express Staff Writer

Idaho’s GOP loyalists will descend on Sun Valley this weekend for the Idaho Republican Party’s 2002 convention.

The event — called "Idaho, the Rock of America" — will be held in Sun Valley June 15 to 18 and will serve as a precursor to the November 2002 elections in which nearly every elected official in the state is up for re-election. It is also the first time Republicans have held their annual meeting in Sun Valley in 25 years.

"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."

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

Also, the Deputy Chairman for the Republican National Committee, Jack Oliver, and the Chairman of the Maryland Republican Party, Michael Steele, are scheduled to speak.

The four-day event will kick off Saturday evening at 6 p.m. with a Blaine County Western Barbecue at Sun Valley’s Trail Creek picnic area. All are welcome, Charlat said, but the event is designed to raise funds for the Blaine County Republicans. With prior registration, by calling 726-4092, the barbecue will cost $20. It will cost $25 the day of the event.

Gov. Dirk Kempthorne and members of Idaho’s congressional delegation are expected to attend.

"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. 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."

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 Convention will be June 20 to 22 in Burley.

 

The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.