Republicans discuss policy over chili
Speakers discussed the importance of winning upcoming elections.
Published Oct. 27, 2009
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Tom Bradley, host of Wake Up Columbia on The Eagle/93.9 FM, auctions off a pie during the Annual Boone County Republicans Chili Supper on Friday night at the Elks Lodge of Columbia. This event, run by the Columbia Pachyderm Club, featured up-and-coming politicians, as well as Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-Mo.
Missouri Republicans ate chili and discussed upcoming elections at a fundraiser Friday.
Most of the speeches centered on campaigning and criticizing how the Democrats have handled political issues since the last election.
Sen. Chuck Purgason, R-Caulfield, is running for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Sen. Kit Bond, R-Mo. Purgason is running against Democratic candidate and Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan and U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., who was unable to attend the event. Purgason called the Republican Party the last great hope for America, and said Republicans need to get back to their principles.
"The No. 1 principle of our party is a balanced budget," Purgason said.
State Rep. Allen Icet, R-Wildwood, and former UN ambassador Tom Schweich, both candidates for Missouri auditor, each stressed the importance of that race, pointing out of the six state offices, only the auditor is open for another Republican to win.
"This auditor's race is very, very important and I encourage everyone to get very, very involved in it," Schweich said.
Both candidates are qualified to oppose Democratic incumbent auditor Susan Montee. Icet has considerable experience working with the Missouri budget, and Schweich has experience on the national stage as an ambassador to Afghanistan.
Sen. Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia, also said the race is important, and told an anecdote about a program with a budget of $6 million getting $240 million in federal stimulus money.
"That is why we absolutely, absolutely have to have a Republican auditor next year," Schaefer said.
Kevin Jackson, an author and radio talk show host, talked about misconceptions when it comes to Democrats and racial issues. He quoted several prominent Democrats throughout the country's history, highlighting racist remarks.
"Liberals are racist whether they're black or white," Jackson said. "The liberals have corrupted the fabric of America and they want to convince you that you are wrong."
He also criticized their performance on other domestic issues, such as education.
"Liberals have corrupted the education system, essentially making it a prison," Jackson said.
He also expressed disapproval about the amount of spending by the current administration, and bemoaned President Barack Obama's health care plan.
"When has the government impressed you with its ability to run a program?" Jackson said. "Let me give you a couple examples: Social Security, the U.S. Postal Service, Medicare — they're all broke."
Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-Mo., the final speaker of the evening, started his speech with several one-liners fired at Democrats, such as, "Your fair share is not in my wallet," "Real presidents do not apologize for their country" and "Confuse a liberal: use logic and facts."
He also criticized Obama's handling of the war in Iraq and the upcoming cap and trade bill.
"The cap and trade bill will take over the entire economy and destroy it," Luetkemeyer said.
In addition to the chili, in between speeches, pies were auctioned, including a blueberry pie sold for $35.
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11:13 a.m., Oct. 27, 2009
Brandon said:
What a bunch of troglodytes. Laughable. The GOP is the "last great hope" for America? After Bush and his nonsense? Don't think so. And cap and trade will DESTROY the economy? Hardly. Sure, it may not be the best solution and will cost a lot of money, but the GOP is just being facetious. Even the Kyoto Protocol overall would only cost about 1% of GDP.