Regan: Assassination try 'galvanized' party

The mood at the Republican National Convention on Monday was a combination of grim determination and jubilation, said Brent Regan, chairman of the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee.

The assassination attempt of former president Donald Trump, who was nominated to lead the presidential ticket, brought the party together, Regan said. 

“The seriousness of the attempt has settled on people," he said, “but they’re solved.” 

Regan joined Idaho delegates and other party leaders at the convention in Milwaukee to support Trump. All were equally enthusiastic for his choice of Ohio Sen. JD Vance as his running mate, Regan said.

“The party is pretty excited about the vice president pick,” Regan said in a phone interview. “That’s the candidate he wanted.” 

Regan is confident the Republic Party is united as it looks to the presidential election in November. 

Asked if Trump surviving the assassination attempt Saturday at a Pennsylvania rally pulled Republicans tighter, Regan said it did. 

“Absolutely,” he said.  

He said there were some who were not sure about voting for Trump at the convention, but with the shooting, that uncertainty disappeared. 

“This galvanized them to vote for him,” Regan said. 

It has given a more serious undertone to the campaign, Regan said. He said in 2016, when Trump was elected president, the atmosphere was, “a little more goofy.”

But not now. 

In one way, there was a somber sense among those at the convention, which included 32 Idaho delegates, because what was at stake hit them even harder.

“Camaraderie is good,” Regan said. 

He said general sessions are scheduled daily at the convention. 

“We're all here in our red vests and doing a good job of making sure Idaho is well-represented,” Regan said. 

Trump is expected to arrive sometime this week.