Dozens of Utahns go to D.C. for the gala

WASHINGTON — Some came out of ardent patriotism. Others for a chance to rub shoulders with the GOP power structure. Some came just to party and others to be a party to history.

Utahns came by the dozens to join in the inaugural festivities, from the early morning receptions to late-night balls. And not withstanding the bone-chilling weather and unprecedented security, there were smiles all the way around.

"It seemed the right way to finish off (the election) by coming to the inaugural," said Camille Mendel, who along with her friend Robyn Bagley jumped into politics last fall by volunteering to get out the Republican vote in Santa Fe, N.M.

"We were family values moms, not security moms, and we wanted to do something to get President Bush re-elected," she said. "It was such an incredible experience, to see the groundswell of support for the president."

"I never felt so strongly about getting this president re-elected," Bagley added.

And New Mexico voted for Bush, they pointed out.

Joined by their husbands, Alan Mendel and Terry Bagley, all from Sandy, the quartet was soaking in all of the inaugural experiences they could muster tickets to. But they didn't have the connections to score tickets to the Democracy Ball, one of nine presidential balls and the one earmarked for Utahns.

They are tough tickets to get, and expensive, too.

"We'll go out for a nice meal instead," Terry Bagley said.

U.S. Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, is avoiding the inaugural ball hoopla, too, following the advice of his mother more than 30 years ago that one presidential ball is more than enough.

"I have attended many balls. My mother warned me and she was right," said Bennett, who had bounced between receptions throughout the day.

Utah Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert attended his first inaugural events as the official representative of the Huntsman administration. He plans to meet with the Utah delegation and other lawmakers from surrounding states, as well as take in the Democracy Ball.

"It's not all about pomp and circumstance, although that is important," Herbert said. "It represents a new start. With Utah as the president's biggest supporter (in percentage of the vote), it is appropriate that we are here."

"It is also important that we use this opportunity to build relationships," he added.