A day for history, romance

WASHINGTON, D.C. – For dozens of Eastern Washington Republicans who traveled cross-country to witness President Bush start his second term in office, Thursday was full of historic significance, pageantry, balls and fortresslike security.

But for Yvonne Wilson, a clinical research coordinator at Spokane’s Rockwood Clinic, the inauguration held a special surprise: an engagement ring.

Retired Philadelphia police Officer Bill Brez, 57, proposed during the Washington state inaugural ball after receiving tickets from Sheila Babb, a staff assistant to Sen. Patty Murray. Never mind that Murray is a Democrat and Brez is a Republican.

Wilson, 55, wore a black crepe skirt with a spring-pink beaded sequin top to the black-tie event. It was her first visit to Washington, D.C.

“I am a farm girl who gets to be Cinderella for an evening,” said Wilson, who accepted Brez’s proposal.

Early Thursday morning, before Bush’s inaugural address, about 50 Eastern Washington Republicans gathered at the office of newly elected Rep. Cathy McMorris for coffee and doughnuts. They said they came to the inauguration to witness history and for the chance to interact with elected officials.

“That common citizens are able to take part in government at this level is a testimony to democracy that distinguishes us from all other nations,” said Mike Casey, the Spokane County GOP chairman.

Casey arrived in the Capitol with about 20 friends to celebrate the president’s second term and support McMorris’ first month in office. He attended nearly every event, including fireworks at the Ellipse, the swearing-in ceremony on the U.S. Capitol steps, the Washington state ball at the D.C. Armory, and the Texas-Wyoming Ball at the Convention Center.

McMorris, who has met the president twice since taking office earlier this month, was one of many congressional members who hosted morning receptions for constituents.

“It is a tremendous honor to be representing Congress at such a historic time,” she said.

Drew Sweatte, 18, traveled with three friends from Ferris High School and spent much of the week networking with Republican politicians in preparation for his own dream of one day running for

office.

Sweatte attended the Texas-Wyoming party and went ball-hopping to the other celebrations held in the same facility. Wearing a tuxedo he rented in Spokane, Sweatte said he came to the inauguration in part to mobilize the youth vote and, like so many others, to experience a slice of history.

“Senators and congressional members rolled out the red carpet for us,” he said. “Because they are excited to see people as young as us get involved.”