Article by Erik Smith. Published on Monday, June 14, 2010 EST.
GOP Throng Meets, Greets, Grips
“Rob McKenna doesn’t represent me,” Democratic Gov. Christine Gregoire declared earlier this year when the Republican attorney general filed suit against the national health reform bill. But his stand drew cheers on the convention floor — and the obvious riposte appeared on many a lapel.
By Erik Smith
Staff writer/ Washington State Wire
VANCOUVER, June 14.—What counts at a political convention isn’t what happens on the floor. In fact, the less that happens there, the better off a party might be.
The real action comes in the hallways, the booths, and the hospitality suites, where rank and file party members meet the candidates and decide whose buttons they want to wear.
Here’s how it all looked at the GOP state convention in Vancouver… 
Hallways at the Hilton were jammed all convention long.
State Rep. Jaime Herrera, R-Vancouver, candidate for U.S. House in the 3rd Congressional District.
Collecting signatures for Initiative 1071.
One of the busier booths at the convention…
…and one of the quieter ones.
A sold-out dinner.
Favorite son Sen. Joe Zarelli, R-Ridgefield, addresses the crowd.
Author, Fox News commentator and former Seattle Times editorial columnist Michelle Malkin delivers banquet speech.
State party chairman Luke Esser.
Senate candidate Dino Rossi presses the flesh.
A rather sedate hospitality suite for Dino Rossi — which makes sense considering that…
…delegates had to pay for their own drinks.
The room was a bit hotter and sweatier at the Clint Didier “Eastern Washington Tailgate Party” upstairs. Drinks were on the house, and it wasn’t PBR they were serving, either.
Didier got back from a visit with Sarah Palin in the Tri-Cities just in time to play the host at his own party. The jaunt was noted by all — as everyone no doubt was supposed to.
Secretary of State Sam Reed, one of only two Republicans serving in a statewide elected position.
Attorney General Rob McKenna, the other.
The next day, Republicans also held a convention.
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