Idaho Inaugural Ball 2007

After every Gubernatorial election the State of Idaho hosts a Ball, in the Capitol Building, known as the Inaugural Ball. It is a wonderful event. You get dressed up "to the nines". The statewide elected officials start on the fourth floor, and walk a full circle around the fourth floor, then proceed down to the third floor, where they pick up the Senators and Representatives, and then we all walk a full circle on the third floor, and we continue this processional until we reach the bottom floor, where they start dancing. My Dad's office is on the bottom floor, so he always has his office decorated up, and is serving food and drinks. It is a great time of celebration.

Swearing In Ceremony

When we arrived at the Capitol we were told to find a seat anywhere we could. We scrambled around looking for any available chair. Once all the seats were filled the Speaker of the House swore us in. We were sworn in by former Speaker Bruce Newcomb, because the newly elected Speaker Lawrence Denny had not been sworn in yet. Next we started the process of seat assignments. Seats are selected by seniority. The most senior member selects which seat they want to occupy and so on until they get to the freshman class, then they draw names out of a bowl, and you select your seat when your name is called. It was an intresting process. I was very fortunate because I was able to secure a seat in the front row and my best friend Rep. Raul Labrador was able to secure the seat to my right. I choose to sit in the front row because on my left was a senior member George Eskridge, who I knew would be very helpful if I had any questions. I loved my seatmates, they were the best.

2006 Legislative Tour

The North Idaho Chamber of Commerce hosted a wonderful Legislative Tour Nov. 12-14, 2006. The theme this year was "A Region in Transition". Brent and Rochenda were able to attend and really enjoyed touring many sites and learning about what is important to the people in Northern Idaho.

Tuesday's tour included: Northwest Specialty Hospital, Northern Idaho Advanced Care Hospital, Buck Knives, Sysco Food Service, University of Idaho Research Park, Riverbend Commerce Park and Flexcel.

Brent and Rochenda at Buck Knives Company.

The tour guide explaining how a Buck knife is made.

Brent in front of the U of I Research Park.

Silver Valley Tour...

Brent and Rochenda went on the Silver Valley tour on Monday. The sites included the Cataldo Mission, Historical Wallace, Hecla Mining Company, Trail of the Coeur d' Alenes, Silver Mountain, Lookout Pass, Pulaski Trail, U.S. Silver Corporation, Pandandle Health District and local elected officials.

Brent and Rochenda at the Cataldo Mission. This is the oldest building in Idaho.

Brent talking with John Watts, and John Eaton inside the Mission.

Election Night

Preparing my ballot.

Casting my vote.

Enjoying some good food.

Looking at the numbers.

Still waiting for the results.

Mark Boothby trying to find the results online.

Rochenda and Brooklyn are happy that things are going well.

Rep. Dolores Crow helped Brent celebrate his win. Rep. Crow is retiring and Brent is taking her place. She has left some big shoes to fill. Brent had two opponets, one Democrat, and one Libertarian. Brent received 68% of the vote (10, 623) , the Democrat received 27% of the vote (4,222), and the Libertarian received 3% of the vote (608). It was a great win.

The Final Blitz

The whole team celebrating together after all the hard work has been done.

Rochenda, and Teresa getting ready to go out for the final blitz.

Luke, Cody, and Chris are heading out to knock on some more doors.

Pictures from the Sali Event

The Sali Event that Ron and Cheryl Crane hosted went well. Here are a couple pictures from Saturday evening.

Your invited...Meet & Greet for Bill Sali

Ron and Cheryl Crane

Invite you to a

Meet & Greet

for

Bill Sali

(Idaho's next 1st District Congressman)

Saturday - Oct. 28, 2006

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Grace Bible Church

Family Life Center

1415 W. Lone Star Rd.

Nampa, ID 83686

Question or directions?

Call 463-4000

Come and get acquainted with the next

Congressman from the 1st district. Ask him your

questions, tell him your concerns.

Enjoy cookies, punch and coffee, etc.

Donations welcome but not required