At the Republican state convention this weekend, delegates have been addressed by many of Idaho's high-profile politicians, but one man who was a force in the state's political scene in the past 15 months is noticeably absent.  Vaughn Ward, the man who lost to congressional nominee Raul Labrador in the May primary, has not appeared at the convention and isn't expected to show up at Idaho State University's campus in Idaho Falls, where the event is being held.

One ardent Ward supporter, who asked not to be named, said Ward would likely have trouble being at the convention, which the source referred as a "celebration party for Labrador."  Ward, he said, feels spurned by the party and may still have his feelings hurt over his loss in the primary.  "It's hard for me, so I imagine it's hard for him."  The Ward supporter said that he has spoken with the former candidate recently and believes he's sitting the weekend out and is spending time with his family at their home in Eagle.

Labrador is slated to speaker Saturday afternoon before the convention wraps up.  Labrador aides tell IdahoReporter.com that his speech is crafted to bring Idaho Republicans together after the explosive primary.