DBQ Co Republicans Celebrate

Yesterday (24 June 2007), the DBQ County GOP had its annual Summer picnic/fundraiser at the Oxus Grotto in Asbury, IA. This event is held every year on the last Sun in June. This year there were about 80 people in attendance including 3 presidential candidates, as well as state & local candidates & some state party officials.

The event began about noon with an opportunity for people to socialize. The meal began at about 12:30 with brats & hamburgers. A little after 1 pm the speeches began. At that time the presidential candidates present were allowed to speak.

The 1st speaker was John Cox of Illinois. He gave a little of his background & why it makes him qualified for the office of president. The main thrust of his message was the need for the GOP to get back to Republican Principles.

Next up was Representative Tom Tancredo of Colorado. He talked about how the people have lost faith in the government. The result, the Republicans lost the election last year. He challenged the party to return to the Judeo-Christian roots of our country.

The 3rd candidate for president to speak wad Daniel Gilbert of North Carolina. He talked about how the Republicans have lost their values. The party does have a message & we need to get it out to American Citizens.

At this point Bill Salier came up to speak about the Iowa Straw Poll to be held 11 August 2007 in Ames, IA. The event has 2 purposes. It is a fundraiser for the Iowa GOP. It is also an opportunity for the presidential candidates to be able to showcase themselves.

Next to speak was Steve Rathje who is running for the nomination to be the Republican candidate for the US Senate seat from Iowa that is up for election next year. He sees a big emphasis in the message of his campaign is that of its being a matter of right v wrong, good v evil. there is a battle to destroy everything we stand for. There is a need for a clear vision to proclaim & protect these values.

At this point they took a break from the speakers to start the auction of donated items, pies, an apron signed by most of the 2008 presidential candidates, 1 signed by Se. Chuck Grassley & an autographed copy of Light from Lucas by 2006 Republican cadidate for Lt. Gov, Bob Vander Plaats. They had some of the VIPs in attendance do the auctioning, which was interspersed with the restr of the speakers.

The next speaker was Leon Mosley, co-chair or the state central committee. (2 of the 1st district members of the committee, John Ortega & Karl Gilbertson were also in attendance but didn't speak.) Leon is the self-described "Baddest black man in the state of Iowa." He called on Republicans to find candidates who will do what we want him to do. He also talked about the need for blacks to remember what the Republican party is really about, its history & esp that all the great Black leaders were Republican.

Next to speak was Steve Lukan who is the district 32 represenative in the Iowa House of the State legislature. Steve spoke 1st as a representative of the John McCain campiagn. he also introduced 2 candidates who are running for the state legislature, Kris Lyons who is running for Iowa Senate district 16 & Dena Himes who is running for House district 31.

Finally Brian Kennedy spoke as representative of the Mitt Romney campaign.

The only disappointment i had was that more of the presidential candidates either didn't come or sent a rep. Otherwise, it was an enjoyable afternoon & a great opportunity to get together with fellow Republicans from the area.