By Louis Hoglund
Sometimes, it requires hearty souls to engage in party politics--at least in Minnesota.
Republican leader Jon Staebler almost slipped in the slush when he arrived at the Perham precinct caucus--it would have been his first spill since knee surgery.
Thanks for weathering the weather, said Staebler, welcoming fewer than 25 party faithful. Two years ago, there were nearly 90 at the Perham Republican caucuses.
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Snow, rain and even thunder reduced attendance drastically.
State Rep. Dean Simpson braved the roads to visit four precincts. Less than 20 Republicans showed up in Wadena, and a dozen each in Verndale and New York Mills.
Chairs were empty at the Dead Lake, Rush, Pine Lake, Hobart, Richville and Vergas tables.
Perham, Perham Township, Candor and Pine Lake were represented by a few at each table. Making the trip from Dent were Kenny Harrom and Jim Bernauer, a retired priest who delivered the opening prayer.
The partys youth were well represented by young adults Evan Larson, Danielle Refsland, Diana Tastad and Joelle Goranson.
Though few in numbers, there was no shortage of ideas to improve America. Resolutions ranged from pulling out of the United Nations to lifting protections on the timber wolf population.
