REPUBLICANS CELEBRATE LINCOLN DAY
The annual Lincoln Day Celebration was held at the Columns Banquet Center on Friday evening and played to a “sold-out” crowd. After sweeping at the local, state and national levels in November, there was much to celebrate.
Governor Matt Blunt cancelled at the last moment due to the nearness of the birth date of his first child. The primary speakers were Senator Jim Talent, Senator Kit Bond, Representative Tod Akin, and Representative Kenny Hulschof.
County Administrator Steve Ehlmann was given unlimited time to talk about his book, “Crossroads to the History of St. Charles County.”
Lincoln Day provides the opportunity for Republicans to meet and greet the politicians they voted for and elected. Nearly all the elected officials who represent us locally, and many from the state level, were in attendance.
For the past three years, this event has been chaired by Roland and Dee Wetzel. The format has been changed from that of Barbara Flagg and Penny Bennett who previously chaired the event.
Rather than give all elected officials a brief introduction from the podium, Roland and Dee travel the room with microphones introducing the people who were not allowed to speak from the podium.
Although they got high marks for turning out a full house, there was much grumbling about the traveling microphones—from both guests and elected officials. With hundreds of people talking, it was nearly impossible to pay attention to the introductions. Also, people complained about a microphone showing up at their table while they were eating.
Jeff Morrison and David and Rhonda Hayes were also in attendance. They were seated at the farthest table at the perimeter of the room. If one wants a good seat at Lincoln Day, one does not make enemies of the Wetzels. Lincoln Day is clearly “The Roland and Dee Show.”
