The Missouri Republican Party held it's annual Lincoln Days celebration on February 15-17 in St. Louis. It was a chance for Republicans from all over the Show-Me State to gather together, and to get re-energized and a bit re-organized perhaps, after a disappointing 2012 presidential election.
There was plenty to do and see during the three day event. Many different groups set up informational tables in the large banquet foyer of the Renaissance Grand Hotel. They ranged from Fairtax Missouri, and the Freedom Riders Motorcyle Club, to Missouri Right To Life, Club For Growth, and Americans For Prosperity. There were also plenty of elected officials on hand, including Senator Roy Blunt, Missouri Speaker of the House Tim Jones, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, and newly elected Congresswoman Ann Wagner.
The busiest day by far was Saturday. The day began with a breakfast with Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich. There were several invitation only activities, such as MAR President's Breakfast, and the Show Me State Series, but also lots to take in for the public as well.
Author and Commentator Kevin Jackson spoke at an open forum hosted by the Missouri Pachyderm Club. Jackson answered a variety of questions about the Republican Party's outreach to minority voters, especially African-Americans. The openly left-leaning media was also discussed, and how Conservatives could best battle against it. The future of the Republican Party was also represented as College Republicans, and Young Republicans held meetings.
The Missouri Federation of Republican Women hosted a luncheon where the keynote speaker was former Missouri Speaker of the House Catherine Hanaway. She spoke of her days as one of very few Republican women in the Missouri House. Hanaway also spoke of why she got into politics, as a Mom concerned about her children's future. She talked about helping to build the Republican Party up to where it is today, with enough House and Senate members to hold a veto-proof majority.
Saturday afternoon saw a Grassroots training session, which quickly turned into a discussion on how best to change the way the GOP is getting out their message. Those in attendance felt it very important to utilize Social Media like Facebook and Twitter, and focusing on traditionally Democrat areas. The number crunchers got a scolding by people who felt like areas of St. Louis City, and other places in Congressional District 1 had been abondoned by Republicans.
The day wrapped up with a Town Hall Forum with several State Representatives, Congressmen, and Lt. Gov. Kinder on hand to answer questions. Friday night's MRP Banquet featured keynote speaker Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming, and Saturday night's banquet featured Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal as the keynote speaker.
There truly was something for everyone at this year's Lincoln Days.
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