For the first time, a room in the Capitol building was secured, allowing the delegation to come and address the group as their afternoon schedules allowed. In years past, the group had moved from office to office across the Hill to engage their representatives. All agreed that this year was the best yet.

First up was Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, followed by Congressmen Jon Porter and Dean Heller, and Congresswoman Shelley Berkley. Last but not least was Senator John Ensign. There was much discussion about specific bills and the issues of the day, including FHA reform, GSE reform , the Homebuyer Tax Credit, National Flood Insurance Program, and both Property and Casualty and Small Business Health Insurance.

As an observer, here's what I took away from the afternoon: This group of REALTORS® is engaged and involved in the political process - there to be heard as Nevadans, as REALTORS®, and as home owners. They know their delegation and their delegation knows them. They are vocal, visible, connected, and doing their part. Isn't that what politics is all about? And it was really cool to hear more than one of the Nevada delegation call the "REALTOR® Party" one of the best organized, most knowledgable grassroots groups in the political arena. It wasn't hard to see why.