The Idaho delegation is led by the American Legislative Exchange Council's Idaho chairwoman, Sen. Patti Anne Lodge, R-Huston. The 39th annual meeting began Monday for board members and other leaders. Regular sessions begin Wednesday and run through Friday. Lodge, as a state chair, said she'll be in Salt Lake City today through Thursday, and expects to be joined by Reps. Steve Hartgen, R-Twin Falls, and Jeff Thompson, R-Idaho Falls. Lodge said she pays her own expenses. The group also offers scholarships. Two other lawmakers are attending at state expense, Reps. Vito Barbieri, R-Dalton Gardens, and Phil Hart, R-Hayden. Travel expenses for Barbieri and Hart have been approved by House Speaker Lawerence Denney, R-Midvale. Hart was defeated in the May GOP primary/Dan Popkey, Idaho Statesman. More here.

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