POST FALLS — Yes, the audience at Saturday’s “Drain the Swamp” rally received plenty of conservative talking points.

No surprise, of course, since President Trump made that his campaign cry on the way to the White House.

But Idaho state Reps. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, and Priscilla Giddings, R-White Bird — sharing the microphone at the Templin Red Lion with Washington state Rep. Matt Shea, R-Spokane Valley — perhaps surprisingly aimed a good deal of their messages in a unique direction.

Along with Shea, they issued passionate calls for their listeners to understand that politics is definitely and crucially local — and challenged the crowd to get involved.

“Maybe it starts with your city council,” Scott said. “Do you know who they are? Do you know when they meet? Have you gone and had coffee and heard what they think?

“Or maybe it’s the school board. How are they spending that levy money you’ve given them?”

Scott made it clear that everyday citizens and their commitment were the true keys to draining any swamp.

“We get the government we allow,” she said. “So don’t wait until the 11th hour to disagree with some action that’s been on the table for a year.

“Show up, stand up and speak up.”

Like a pro with impeccable timing, Scott paused after that rallying call for just a few seconds and then added: “But choose your words carefully, as I learned this year.”

Scott smiled and the audience chuckled at that final disclaimer, which was a reference to Scott losing all her committee assignments as discipline for essentially calling the House a sexist body — and repeating it on a live radio show.

She only had those privileges restored after issuing an apology as part of a flap that got the 2017 legislature session off to a tumultuous start.

Scott promised as part of her apology that she would speak “like a statesman” – and she was as good as her word on Saturday.

Scott and Giddings did offer plenty of scathing complaints about being bullied by the Republican leadership in Boise — and yet both representatives seemed to treat those issues like old news compared to their enthusiasm for pulling constituents into the political world.

Giddings, who represents the huge District 7 (including Shoshone County), joked that her call sign as an A-10 fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force was “Altoid” – a reference to Altoid mints, which are advertised as “curiously strong.”

A former competitive weightlifting champion, Giddings said: “That’s what I try to bring to my job as a legislator, continuing to be curiously strong.”

Even though Giddings shared some incredible stories of discrimination by party leadership as a new House member, her demeanor changed instantly on the subject of citizen participation.

“I read a book which mentioned that 90 percent of politics is local,” she said. “So what we believe about this country and this state that mean so much to us is really up to you.

“People don’t like to hear politicians mention this, but it’s also important that you vote with your money, too — at all levels of government.

“Back at home, you need the right people, and you need to build a shield around your community. A shield of strength, and I know that it’s starts with your sheriff because my dad is sheriff of Nevada County.

“But there are other positions in your cities and counties that really, really matter.”

All three speakers also urged members of the crowd to run for office — any office.

“You don’t have to be any polished politician,” Scott said. “Look at me. I didn’t know anything about how to do this when I ran. But hey, here I am trying to make a difference — and if I can do it, anybody can.

“Look at Priscilla, who was in the military and came home to run for the Legislature. She was totally new to everything, a freshman representative, and yet she’s already had an impact. Those ‘gravy train’ politicians in Boise know who she is now, believe me.

“All of you can make a difference like that, by running for office or getting involved to offer your support.”

Giddings also was anxious to share a message with anyone who believes that the conservative movement — so often equated only with bold Christianity — is somehow a one-religion group.

“When I went into combat,” she said, “I was fighting for Americans, and by that I mean all Americans. It doesn’t matter what race or religion.

“My uncle is an atheist who is a huge fan of Bill O’Reilly (former FOX television host). That’s just one example, but it shows you what makes this country so great. We’re free to have our own opinions.

“The people you see here today believe in smaller government, less spending, reducing the federal presence in Idaho and many other things. But believe me, everyone is welcome.”