Pence talk in Boise delights supporters; VP nominee held private fundraiser

Layne Bangerter, head of the Trump presidential campaign in Idaho, said between 150 and 200 people attended the Mike Pence fundraiser at the Zions Bank building in downtown Boise this evening. “It surpassed all our expectations,” he said. “He was about 20 minutes delayed, but it was just fine.”

Idaho GOP Sen. Jim Risch spoke first, saying Pence must be elected vice president. Gov. Butch Otter, honorary co-chair of the Trump-Pence campaign in Idaho, introduced Pence; the two served together in Congress. Pence, who was accompanied by his wife, Karen, spoke for about 20 minutes at the reception; he’s expected to be back in Indiana in the morning.

“It was an inspiring night, and we heard a message from an inspiring leader, and it was just wonderful,” Bangerter said. Pence’s talk included comments about Trump’s leadership qualities and policies, potential Supreme Court nominations, national security, and concerns about rival Hillary Clinton. “He talked about the need for moral people in offices, people of conviction, dedication and faith,” Bangerter said.

Pence served six terms in Congress before being elected governor of Indiana in 2012. The photo at right, taken by an attendee at the reception, shows Pence with his wife Karen, left, and Idaho First Lady Lori Otter and Gov. Butch Otter, right.