Missouri Republicans gather in Springfield for annual Lincoln Days
Posted on February 27, 2011 13:54 pm CST
Budget cuts and striking teachers among topics at annual Lincoln Days event.
The hot topics of the Missouri Republican annual gathering included the Wisconsin Democratic exodus, Washington budget cuts and the Bears game.
And, of course, electoral rumors -- a staple of the Lincoln Days event that was held on Friday and Saturday at Springfield's University Plaza.
No Republican made an official announcement for a statewide office run, although Sen. Scott Rupp quietly posted a sign advertising a run for secretary of state.
Congressman Billy Long, Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler and the rest of the delegation updated local party members of their Washington actions. They said it was great to be in the majority party but asked attendees to help push for a Republican Senate majority as well.
Long, of Springfield, touted the freshman class and credited his fellow members for a proposed $100 billion reduction in spending. He said it is a testament to the clout of the new members.
"They know we're there, and we know they know we're there," he said.
Hartzler, 4th District congresswoman, criticized President Barack Obama for his decision to stop defending the Defense of Marriage Act in court.
"This could be the Roe v. Wade of our generation," she said.
Hartzler was the keynote speaker at the Missouri Federation of Republican Women lunch, and there she had harsh things to say to teachers who are striking.
"Get back in the classroom, and teach the kids," she said.
Though neither made an announcement, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder and former party chairwoman Ann Wagner each made a speech that sounded much like a campaign speech for governor and Senate, respectively.
Wagner addressed Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill and Wagner's failed run to be the first female Republican National Committee chair.
"I didn't win, but I do believe I put some cracks in the glass ceiling," she said.
Former Treasurer Sarah Steelman and 3rd District candidate Ed Martin, who've already thrown their hats in the ring, entertained guests in hospitality suites and with speeches.
Martin's suite themed "Martini Lounge" featured tuxedo T-shirts and USA-themed cocktails.
Steelman enlisted a host of volunteers -- including her three sons -- to staff a booth and hand out stickers.
Though he's made up secretary of state stickers, Rupp, R-Wentzville, said he won't make an official announcement for a few weeks. His fellow state senator, Bill Stouffer, R-Napton, announced via e-mail on Friday that he also seeks to challenge Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, a Democrat.
Not every Ozarker appreciated the Republican convergence to the area, though.
A group of Planned Parenthood supporters gathered outside the hotel Saturday morning to protest federal budget cuts to Planned Parenthood.
Grass-roots organizer Crystal Brigman said they wanted to "show that students especially stand with Planned Parenthood."
But Hartzler said in the speech that she was the proudest when she spoke for Planned Parenthood cuts on the floor of the House.
State Sens. Bob Dixon, R-Springfield, and Jay Wasson, R-Nixa, moderated a forum with state and Washington officials.
Attendees asked about the health care bill, legislative proposals and the federal budget.
Rep. JoAnn Emerson, who chairs a budget subcommittee, said House Republicans are ready to fight Senate Democrats for budget cuts.
"It's going to be a pretty good knock-down, drag-out," she said.
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Roseann Moring, News-Leader, 2/27/2011