Idaho state Sen. Steven Thayn, R-Emmett, has a booth at the state GOP convention this year, where he’s handing out copies of his latest book, “Reprogramming Government, A Conservative Approach.” Like his previous books, it’s published in a small format, about the size of a pocket U.S. Constitution. The thesis? “That libertarian conservatism is ineffective,” Thayn said. Instead, he’s calling for a “win-win” approach, defined as “empowering the citizens with local control over resources and choices.”

As an example, Thayn points to the “advanced opportunities” program he sponsored in the Legislature, through which the state is footing the bill for high school students to take advanced, college-level courses. But they finish high school quicker, he said. “You’re actually saving the taxpayers money.”

“You can’t vote no all the time and complain and bitch and moan – you’ve got to do something,” Thayn declared. “It’s the philosophy of actually coming up with proposals rather than just saying, ‘We don’t like what’s being proposed.’” So far, he said, he’s been getting a fairly good reception.

“The value of trying to find a win-win solution is it engenders dialogue,” Thayn said. “I don’t think the voters really want arguing for the sake of arguing.”

A passing convention attendee averred that arguing has its value. “There’s legitimate political differences we should talk about – there’s no question,” Thayn said. “But calling people names and telling half-truths is not beneficial.”

Asked if he’s talked with Idaho Freedom Foundation President Wayne Hoffman about his idea, Thayn said, “Wayne Hoffman is the poster child for libertarian conservatism.” He said he’s talked with Hoffman; asked how Hoffman responded to Thayn’s ideas, Thayn said, “We never got that far – that’s enough said.”

A second-term senator who previously served three terms in the House, Thayn said, “The Idaho Legislature, I think, is moving to a win-win approach. I think you’re getting more people who are interested in dialogue, than just taking ideological approaches. It is uncomfortable, but we need to dialogue.”

Thayn’s not a delegate to this year’s state party convention. “I don’t have any expectations,” he said. “But I am interested to see how Trump is brought up in the party, what support he has, how he’s presented. I think that there’s an upside to Donald Trump. He’s somewhat of an unknown. But I don’t see any upside with Hillary Clinton.” The woman passer-by who had challenged Thayn over the value of argument chimed in that she had no argument with that.

Down the walkway, a booth was doing a slow but steady business selling Trump buttons, hats and T-shirts.