CRAPO HOSTS FIRST STATEWIDE iTOWNHALL MEETING

Washington, DC - Using Internet and telephone technology, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo hosted his first statewide iTownHall meeting. The hour-long meeting, held Wednesday evening, involved more than 4,000 Idahoans and is now posted on the Senator's website, http://crapo.senate.gov, for anyone who would like to listen to the event. There is also a link to allow people to sign up for future iTownHall meetings.

"It was an outstanding opportunity to use this technology to hear from Idahoans on issues that matter to them," Crapo said. "The Senate schedule frequently keeps me from visiting Idaho during the work week. Personal responsibilities or travel requirements may keep Idahoans from being able to participate in town hall meetings that I may hold in the state. This technology leaps right over those barriers, and brings the town hall meeting right into your own living room. I was very pleased with the first iTownHall and hope to host more in the future."

Just prior to the beginning of the iTownHall meeting, phone calls were placed to individuals in Idaho who have previously contacted Crapo's office. Those who answered the phone were given the opportunity to participate in the call. All participants were able to listen live to the entire conversation between Senator Crapo and each Idahoan who was able to ask a question. During last night's meeting, Crapo took more than a dozen questions from Idahoans and received 50 voice mail messages from those who were not able to speak with him directly during the call. The issues included in last night's questions were Medicare and prescription drugs, entitlement spending, nuclear energy, veterans, education, Iraq, immigration and fuel costs.