About half of the expected 1,000 people have checked in so far for the Idaho Republican Party state convention at the Ford Idaho Center, which is expected to draw 515 delegates, some 300 or so alternates and others. Mike Kinglsey, GOP candidate for the Legislature from the Lewiston area, who’s challenging House Minority Leader John Rusche, D-Lewiston, is driving a cart to give people rides between the parking lot, the Idaho Center and nearby spots including the Hampton Inn.

Kingsley said he just volunteered for the job; it’s given him a chance to do a little campaigning, as well, he said with a smile. He has a stack of palm cards about his candidacy at the ready, in case he can press one on one of his riders.

The GOP state convention kicks off today and runs through Saturday; already, various committees, including the executive committee, the platform committee, and the nominating committee, have convened for their first meetings.

At the Platform Committee this afternoon, Evalyn Bennett of Lemhi County, told delegates, “Early-childhood education is not the role of government, and we should stop spending taxpayer dollars on preschool education programs.” She said the Idaho Constitution only requires schooling from age 6, “making even compulsory kindergarten a questionable practice.” She added that she’s “appalled” that parents are required out a form to determine eligibility for free- or reduced-price school lunches; she said that violates their privacy. Other speakers have focused on their desire for the state to take control of federal public lands.