After the Sarah Palin rally, candidate Vaughn Ward was surrounded by supporters, well-wishers, a few folks who wanted to argue politics, and a lot of youngsters who wanted autographs on signs and brochures and a picture with the candidate. Ward said he was thrilled with the turnout. "We only had about 48 hours to put it together," he said. "People were excited." He said of Palin, "She's an Idaho girl, she's probably one of Idaho's most famous daughters, and Idaho people get excited about that."

Dennis Mansfield, spokesman for the campaign of Ward's GOP primary opponent, Raul Labrador, said,  "Idaho was honored to have Sarah Palin come to the capital city of Boise today. She came for the wrong candidate, though."

Of the 1,500 to 2,000 people in the arena for the rally, about half were in floor seats that cost $10 a head, while the others filled free seats on risers along the side. Money raised by the event, including $250 tickets to a VIP reception beforehand and $1,000 apiece for those who wanted their photos taken with Palin - at least 50 lined up for the privilege - went to the Ward campaign. The campaign said Palin didn't charge a speaking fee and instead made a donation to the campaign, and the $10 tickets went to cover the cost of the event. "She didn't benefit from coming here," Ward said after the rally. "She benefited from trying to help out a candidate she believes in."