http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/06/26/republican-chief-michael-steele-deftly-mends-fences-at-idaho-con/(...)
Steele was a high-profile speaker for Ketchum, a resort town, but a poor showing from Idaho's senior GOP officials was a reminder of the chairman's continued struggles in gaining the confidence of ranking Republicans. Absent from Friday's event were Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and Lt. Gov. Brad Little (annual trail ride), Sen. Mike Crapo (committee meetings on Capitol Hill) and Rep. Mike Simpson (missed his flight). The Idaho Republican Party explained the absences as the result of a scheduling crunch that will have the entire party gathered next weekend in Idaho Falls.
Idaho's junior senator, Jim Risch, was in attendance and helped warm up the crowd for the party chairman.
"There are many things that can hurt America," Risch said. "Al Qaeda, Iran, North Korea, the Taliban -- they can all hurt us. But they can't destroy us. This
Administration can destroy us," he said to enthusiastic applause.
Following Risch, Idaho Republican Party Chairman Norm Semanko, a classmate of Steele's at Georgetown Law, introduced his old friend.
Steele opened with the light-hearted street lingo that has endeared him to some Republicans while offending others, mainly minority conservatives.
"Wassup, Idaho?! Brother came and helped you out!" the former Maryland lieutenant governor said to the all-white, and largely white-haired, audience. Turning to 67-year-old Risch next, he said, "What-up, baby?" and elicited a round of nervous giggles.
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