SD-15 BPOU Convention Notes
Earlier tonight, I participated in the SD-15 BPOU convention. The highlight of the night was the election of a new set of officers. Rich Vander Haar and Jeff Ratcliff are the new co-chairs. Though they've got big shoes to fill, I'm confident that we've put two very capable people in charge.
Dan Ochsner was elected to be the HD-15A vice-chair while Barbara Banaian, King's wife, was elected to be the HD-15B vice-chair. Leo Pusateri is our new secretary. Darlene Thompson was re-elected to a third term as treasurer.
Rep. Steve Gottwalt addressed the gathering, too. Rep. Gottwalt talked about the silly bills that the DFL is introducing this session, many of which are frivolous. He said that few of the DFL's bills address the budget deficit or job creation.
Color me unsurprised.
It was a big night for the SCBA. Jack Tomczak of the Bachmann campaign gave King, Leo and myself an award saying that we'd been "recognized for outstanding volunteerism for the conservative cause." To say that we were surprised would be properly categorized as understatement.
The only bigger surprise was the BPOU recognizing Leo, King and myself for our "dedicated involvement with the [insert blog name here]."
I'm confident that I speak for the three of us in saying that it's been a rewarding couple of years for the SCBA. Our first 'meeting' was held at the St. Cloud Airport after Gov. Pawlenty's press coference following the 2006 legislative session. Since then, Jeff Johnson and Josh Behling have linked to our posts in order to inform our activists. Legislators have used our blogs to shine the spotlight on the foolish bills that the DFL has submitted or the stunts that they've tried getting away with.
The SD-15 Republican BPOU has adopted a blogger-friendly position in much the same way as Rep. Bachmann has. This BPOU and Rep. Bachmann are to be commended for their use of all the tools at their availability.
The last election of the night was for state central delegates. One of the highlights of the process was when Leo's son Leo III submitted his name to be a delegate for the state central committee. As Leo notes here, he was one proud dad. Since I was sitting next to Leo, I was able to see the pride in Leo's face when his son gave a wonderful speech. That's all I'll say. I'll just point you to Leo's blog to read Leo's reaction.
There's alot of work to do if we want to get Michele re-elected in CD-6, Steve re-elected in HD-15A and to throw a retirement party for Tarryl Clark and Larry Haws. That work begins with a good leadership team in place and some ambitious foot soldiers chomping at the bit.
Rest assured of this: the intesity gap that was totally apparent last year has essentially disappeared. Let the battle begin.
Comments welcome at LFR.
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