Lincoln Days unites Republicans

A man's voice speaks quickly through a microphone while he calls out numbers. Members of the audience raise their hands. One man, reluctant to bid any higher at the request of his wife, is called out by the auctioneer about who wears the pants in his marriage, and the audience breaks out in laughter. Those who aren't interested in the items up for auction find enjoyment by sipping iced tea and talking among themselves.

This past Friday marked the 2011 Lincoln Day at the Journal Banquet Room. The event, hosted by the Adair County Republican Club, brought together Party representatives from all levels, including Adair County officials and members of Truman's College Republicans. This year's event included a buffet dinner, raffles and an auction with items such as signed pictures of President Ronald Reagan, clothing and patriotic home décor. The purpose of Lincoln Day is to celebrate the past, present and future of the Party, something Missouri Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer, District Nine, spoke strongly of during his keynote speech.

"[Lincoln Day] is a great place to be able to connect with all of the grassroot folks who are the network for which you build your campaign and get your support," Luetkemeyer said.

Junior Josh Foster, vice chairman of the College Republicans, said the opportunities available to students who attend these types of events are great. The networking, Foster said, allows them to have a place at events such as Lincoln Day, which are made up of the people in the Missouri Republican Party.

"It's important for students to come to events like these to at least stay involved, stay informed, talk to representatives, senators and what not to know what's going on," Foster said. "Knowledge is power."

During Representative Luetkemeyer's speech, he both jokingly acknowledged Foster and commended the participation of the College Republicans as a whole in the party on both local and statewide scales.

Karen Elam, the second vice president of the Adair County Republican Club, organized the event and said the event's attendees are advocates of conservative politics and the Republican Party.

Political events like Lincoln Day embody more than advocacy. Luetkemeyer said there's an allowance for insight into what's going on in Washington, which balances out for students in the opportunities that become presentable to them through active participation, such as internships and jobs.

"For all students, especially for political science majors, we're investing in our careers by going to these things," said junior Stuart Murray, College Republican representative. "This is how you meet people."