More than 400 of our closest friends joined us in Coeur d'Alene Friday for Mountain States Policy Center's first Spring Dinner. More than $150,000 was raised to fund free market research in our region.
It's indeed rare for a new think tank to be able to host such a large and successful event in its first year - but I am not a bit surprised. The support we've received across the Mountain States has been tremendous. There is a yearning for conservative, free market policies and recommendations - without the name calling.
Our guest speaker was Congressman Trey Gowdy, who gave an inspirational message on hope and public service.
He has an impressive background in public service. He has served as a federal prosecutor, a district attorney and in the United States Congress. He is known for his blunt, no-nonsense questioning of witnesses.
Why did Mountain States Policy Center select him to be our first keynote speaker? Because he has been steadfast in the desire for truth and accountability.
In January of 2019, he returned to South Carolina to practice law, teach classes with his close friend Senator Tim Scott, and speak on legal issues he considers important to our country.
We were also pleased to honor Idaho Controller Brandon Woolf, Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen and Eastern Washington Cathy McMorris Rodgers with our Elevation Awards.