Lincoln Day Dinner scheduled for Jan. 31

WEISER – The annual Lincoln Day Dinner Jan. 31 is just not an opportunity for like-minded folks to celebrate the Republican Party.

 The dinner is also very much about preserving the rural lifestyle and philosophy of the GOP, said Margaret Jensen, chair of the dinner and president of the Washington County Federation of Republican women.

 “It is important to support the Republican Party to make sure we have the funds to support the candidates and the initiatives that are important for our party,” said Jensen.

 The event at the Vendome, at 309 State Street, begins with a no-host social hour at 5:30 p.m. The dinner kicks off at 7 p.m. The event includes a live and silent auction, a gun raffle and tri-tip or salmon for dinner. 

 Tickets for the dinner cost $50 and are available from any Republican Central Committee member. Interested individuals can stop at 455 W. 2nd Street in Weiser to buy a ticket or contact Jensen at 208-740-8194 or Chris Christopherson at 208-812-2154. The event is sponsored by the Washington County Republican Central Committee.

 This year’s keynote speaker will be Nate Shelman, a Treasure Valley conservative talk show host. 

 Shelman is a KBOI radio talk show host. 

 Shelman’s News Talk is found at 670 AM and 93.1 FM, weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

 He began his radio career in Cleveland, Ohio, at an “oldies” station, then went on to work on rock, top 40 and contemporary stations before moving into talk radio in Nashville in 2004.

 Jensen said the dinner is crucial for the future of the local and state GOP.

 “The purpose is to raise money so we can support candidates in the general election,” said Jensen.

 Jensen said the dinner usually attracts between 125 to 150 people in off-election years and up to 200 during an election cycle.

 Jensen said local Republicans are already focused on the next election.

 “In two years, we’ve got a very big election coming up. All of our state and national representatives are up for re-election,” she said.

 She said the Idaho Democratic Party is already gearing up for the next election.

 “Democrats are putting a lot of money up to change Idaho to a blue state. So, it (the election) is really important for the Republicans,” said Jensen.

 Jensen said area Republicans want to keep the state firmly in the GOP camp.

 “So, events like this are very important,” she said.

 Jensen said local Republicans must guard against Democratic propositions. She said the local political landscape can be an important battlefield during an election. 

 “It starts at the county level. It starts within your city, your town, at places like the school board and city council,” said Jensen.