First things first, the room was packed.  I live in Grand Rapids and attend these meetings regularly but haven't seen a crowd like this since last October.  People are paying attention and they were eager to share their thoughts with the Majority Leader.  Darn-near universally, the first sentiment everyone expressed?  Cut spending, reform government and don't raise taxes!

And that wasn't lost on Bishop.  I approached his office about grabbing him for a quick question after the event and they in turn suggested that, even better, he's well aware of RightMichigan.com, that they're paying attention to the conservative blogging community and he would be more than willing to sit down for a few minutes.

I'll let Senator Bishop speak for himself for the most part but a few initial thoughts before you click PLAY.

1. Clearly my future is not in television news.  

2. The man seems clearly and uniquely focused on moving real, substantive reforms.  He calls a lot of the Dem reforms "window dressing."

3. He's willing to take on big labor.  You'll catch the reference about halfway through... this comes on the SAME day Sen. Nancy Cassis introduced Right-to-Work legislation in the Senate and follows a similar bill from Rep. Brian Palmer in the House.  That is NOT going to be popular with Dems or the unions, especially in South East, but God bless him for picking the fight.  Kinda makes you a little hopeful, doesn't it?

4. They're paying attention to the net-roots.