I had my last speaking engagement before the election last night in Orting (at the Republican PCO meeting), and couldn't have ended on a better note.

I took several dark country roads to get to Orting and got lost, of course, but finally saw light coming from an open door and noticed a hand-written sign out by the road: "Meeting here tonight, 7pm."

The small building I parked in front of was warm and crowded with friendly people who looked like they came out of a Norman Rockwell painting. There were Boy Scouts everywhere, and fresh-brewed coffee and cookies in the little kitchen.

The Scouts started the meeting by presenting colors and leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance, then there were statements from candidates, and finally we had the best Q&A discussion of issues (business climate, education, immigration, gun rights, judicial activism, community development, etc.) that I've ever enjoyed in a public forum.

It was kind of like stepping back in time to the good old days when politics was a local pastime among informed and involved citizens. So if you ever need a dose of politics as it should be, go visit the folks in Orting.