Thune tabbed as Lincoln Days keynote speaker

Sen. John Thune, R- S.D, the man who sent Tom Daschle packing, will be the keynote speaker at the annual Lincoln Days February 26. From the news release:

The Missouri Republican Party and Missouri Association of Republicans are excited to announce the keynote speaker for the Saturday evening banquet at the 2011 Lincoln Days celebration: United States Senator John Thune (R-South Dakota).


“Over the years, Missouri’s Lincoln Days celebration has attracted some of the biggest names in national politics. This year, we are excited that Senator John Thune will share his vision of our party’s future with Missouri’s committed Republican volunteers and activists,” said David Cole, Chairman of the Missouri Republican Party. “Sen. Thune’s address could not come at a more important time—as Republicans begin the task of putting our nation back on track after making historic gains in the 2010 elections.”

Sen. Thune has served in the United States Senate since 2004, when he quickly rose to prominence by defeating the then-Democratic leader Tom Daschle. A staunch conservative, Thune has established himself as an expert on energy and national defense issues.

“Republicans in Missouri, like so many other states, saw unprecedented victories at the county, state, and national levels in November,” said Sen. Thune. “I am honored to visit with some of the Missouri conservatives who worked hard to deliver these victories. I look forward to hearing from them as we discuss how to continue to grow our party and implement policies that will improve our economy.”

“This will be the 112th annual Missouri Lincoln Days—and this year, we have much to celebrate,” said Leigh Anne Garren, President of the Missouri Association of Republicans. “We expect hundreds of conservative activists and elected officials from all across the state to join us in Springfield, and are thrilled that Senator John Thune will be delivering the keynote address.”

The 2011 Missouri Lincoln Days celebration will take place February 25-27 in Springfield, MO. For additional details or to register, please visit www.mogop.org/lincolndays.