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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Visionaries:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>February 4, 2008</DIV>
<DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">News From Boise</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Representative Shirley Ringo</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Before I report on legislative
matters, I want to share comments about my experiences this weekend.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">During my initial run for the
legislature in 1998, I was amused by people who whispered to me, “I am a
Democrat, too.”<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In addition, there
were the usual comments about the state Democrat meetings held in phone booths,
etc.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Saturday, I was fortunate to
be in attendance at BSU’s Taco Bell Arena for Barack Obama’s rally and
speech.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">This was an extraordinary event
for a number of reasons.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I am not
certain of the number of attendees – the arena was filled and people were turned
away.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>There were at least 13,000,
with people lined up to get in by 6 AM.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>There was no thought of convening in a phone booth.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In the recent past, attracting young
folks to political gatherings has been a challenge.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Last Saturday, they came in large
numbers.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">I suppose many of you already
know I am chronologically enhanced, so I am giving away no secrets.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I have had the opportunity to see
several presidential candidates.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>During my junior year at WSU, John Kennedy spoke at Bryan Hall as he
began his campaign for the presidency.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>I have attended speeches by Al Gore, John Kerry, President Bill Clinton,
and Hillary Clinton.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Barack Obama’s
energy and optimism are reminiscent of those qualities many thought John Kennedy
brought to the presidency. </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Earlier in 2007, when the large
slate of candidates from my party emerged, I was delighted with them.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Of course, the process narrows the
choices before we have much opportunity to weigh in.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I have struggled mightily in making a
selection.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I am excited about
Obama’s thoughts for working to resolve the great challenges we face.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>When you hear him speak, you believe he
can actually make a difference.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>We’ll know more about the direction we’re taking after this “Super
Tuesday.”<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I felt close to this
process Saturday, and count myself as very fortunate.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">(I ask the indulgence of my
Republican friends – this was a unique event that may be of interest to
everybody.)</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P></DIV></BODY></HTML>