Legislators speak at Republican BBQ

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Story Published: Aug 20, 2009 at 8:07 PM MST

Story Updated: Aug 21, 2009 at 9:41 AM MST

By Steven Pope

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IDAHO FALLS - Republican legislators believe that every issue on the minds of tax payers can be solved by small government.

"It's very obvious this administration is taking over the banks, the insurance companies, automobile companies, the student loan programs. Now they want to take over the health care system. At some point we gotta stop, or we're going to have a socialistic country," said Senator Jim Risch.

"Most people are concerned not just about health care... They're really more than that. People are worried about the amount of spending and the amount of debt being created, not for their children or grandchildren, but for their great grandchildren," said Congressman Mike Simpson.

"What supplants strong families, is bigger government. The idea that look you don't have to take care of your family, we'll do it in the schools, the welfare system, the health care system," said Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter.

Tonight's barbecue is the Republican's way of keeping the party strong in Idaho.

"The tremendous change in direction our country has undergone for the past 6-8 months that people need to get engaged and start letting their elected officials know what they believe," said Senator Mike Crapo.

"if you want to cook a frog, you warm it up slowly. If you throw it in, it's going to jump out. With the ways things are going with the recession, and the extravagant spending particularly at the national level. People are jumping, and saying this is not going to work," said Senator Brent Hill.

And although these legislators may have been preaching to the choir tonight, they hope that attendees will leave here and spread the message.

"The Republican party strength is great right now, this picnic is pretty much sold out, it's a full house," said Representative Jeff Thompson

Whether people came to see their legislators, or just for the food, one thing is certain. The Republicans know how to throw a barbecue.

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