Attending the Evergreen Leadership Conference

The list of speakers is quite impressive and exciting. Some people I recognize, and some I don't but I'm equally impressed about. The keynote is Pat Toomey who is set to run against Arlen Specter for the PA Senate seat in 2010. (As much as I learn and keep informed with breaking news, and especially where Obama is concerned, but there is so much I have yet to learn!)

Three more speakers I'm excited for are:

Luncheon Keynote Speaker Steve Beren Candidate for Congress 7th Congressional District link

John Carlson Co-Host, KOMO Radio "The Commentators" Founder, Washington Policy Center link

Tim Eyman Voters Want More Choices Permanent-Offense.org link

Ok, I don't know many people in WA who wouldn't recognize Eyman, even if it's just by name! I had to look up Steve Beren, but was fascinated by what I learned! Anyone who goes from Democrat to Republican and atheist to Christian is someone I want to hear from. And John Carlson of course, for anyone who's listened to WA talk radio, we know John Carlson. I think I remember supporting him in his bid for governor of WA. I believe he lost to Locke.

That's the just the top of the list, there are many more interesting looking bloggers, directors of conservative websites or organizations, and former politicians who will be speaking tomorrow.

Here was my political background: I grew up home schooled in a Christian, Republican Conservative home. I know, liberals everywhere are already shrieking and holding up whatever they use for protection (since they can't use guns or crosses). I joke that I've been listening to Rush Limbaugh even the in the womb. Seriously, I don't know if my mom had the headphones on her stomach, but the political commentary from Rush, Michael Medved, Kirby Wilbur, and a host of other hosts were an expected and natural part of my everyday life. I don't really remember much that was said until I started getting older and actually following the news. I remember watching a debate before Clinton was elected and sensing my parents' dislike (and therefore disliking him myself) and later on, watching a Jennifer Dunn interview or debate for her election.

I think I really got a good taste for politics from my community college political classes (and every other class at community college really). Every teacher found a way to bring politics up in class, sometimes it applied. But my first political science class, as the only outspoken conservative against my teacher and 30+ students when I was 16-years-old was the first time I was completely outnumbered, often under-informed, and loved it. (My teacher was a pretty fair and nice guy.)

From there, my passion just grew and I hope is growing. I want to be more firmly grounded in the fundamentals of our government, our country's history, and our current political leaders. Tomorrow is just a step to meet people and learn from some of the greats.