As you may know, I don't like to feature politics on my blog. However, from time to time I have felt compelled to at least mention elections as they pertain to life here in the High Country. Tonight is no different. As I was covering a university event at the Broyhill Inn this evening, I remembered Ron Paul, former U.S. Presidential Candidate and current member of Congress, was to speak in a conference room next door. I was curious so poked my head in to perhaps catch a glimpse of Dr. Paul and listen to what he had to say.
The room was at capacity. I estimate the crowd to be between 250 and 300 people. I was immediately struck by the lack of local media presence. Dr. Paul may not be Obama or McCain, but he was a recent Presidential candidate with a significant following who I feel deserved at least a little spotlight. Besides, it isn't as if there was anything more important happening in Boone tonight. I know the media was alerted to the event. Afterall, I got the message of his visit depositied in my google alerts yesterday. So the only coverage poor Ron gets for his efforts is on my little photoblog.
Regardless, he is a bright gentlemen and set forth many compelling ideas for the future of our country. I was glad for the opportunity to understand his platform a little better. There is no substitute for listening and meeting a candidate in person and I think I will make a concerted effort to try and do so with each and every local candidate rather than rely on political advertisements to deliver their message.
There were several politicians hanging out tonight. Of note was Congresswoman Virginia Foxx who attended the event to support her fellow congressional colleague. I asked her if I could post a photo of her on my blog and she said, "Of course." Thanks Virginia. Additionally, I met Dan Soucek, a Republican candidate for the NC House, was there.
Endnote: Over the years I have covered many flavored politicians in the course of my duties as a photographer and I can sincerely say I have enjoyed my encounters with all except for two...wait, make that three snakes that all left me with the immediate sensation that their blood ran black. Fortunately, all are long gone from office.
(Yes, I intentionally bleached out the highlights in the above photos just to make a certain someone smile. Hope it works:)
***Updated Correction** The Watauga Democrat did have a reporter at the event that I did not recognize. Hat Tip to the WNC Citizen's Blog for reading my hometown online newspaper before I did. Although I standby my head count for the evening.
