Honolulu—Former U.S. Senator Alan Simpson (R-Wy.) used his wit and years of political experience to entertain and inform members of the Industrial Supply Manufacturers Assn. (formerly ASMMA) and the Industrial Distribution Assn. during their recent Spring Convention in Hawaii. Simpson, who served three terms in the U.S. Senate, was keynote speaker at the three-day event, held in May at Honolulu's Hilton Hawaiian Village.

After congratulating the winners of ISMA's American Eagle Awards, Simpson warmed up with a series of jokes that kept the crowd smiling before he weighed in on heavier subjects like politics and the economy. He talked for some time about the Bush-Cheney administration, noting that the President and Vice President are "not there to lead only if something is popular." He said both men understand the importance of compromise and are dedicated to "making things work" during their tenure.

He carried that theme into his talk about the new Congress and the challenges he sees ahead for that group. Despite those challenges, Simpson said he sees leaders from both parties growing and working together on some issues — most notably education.

Among the issues Simpson raised and commented upon were: the tax package, the repeal of the Estate Tax, Social Security, the Bush-Cheney energy policy, and foreign policy issues. Simpson ended his speech by responding to audience questions, which covered such varied topics as the economy, Cuba and rising energy prices.