Posted on 01/16/2005 12:37:38 AM PST by anymouse
LEAGUE CITY — In what further may be a sign that the once dominant blue of the Democratic Party is starting to take on a stronger shade of Republican red in Galveston County, Oliver North is set to rally the conservative faithful this spring.
North, the retired U.S. Marine officer best known for his involvement in the Iran-Contra investigations during the Ronald Reagan administration, has agreed to be the keynote speaker for the annual Lincoln Day Dinner in March.
The Lincoln Day Dinner, named for President Abraham Lincoln, is a yearly event sponsored by local conservative groups.
The Fox News Channel host is considered “the biggest name we have had at this dinner in a long, long time,” said Galveston County Republican Party Chairman Chris Stevens. His party is one of the organizations supporting the dinner.
“Last year, we had Congressman Ron Paul, which was a big deal, but to have Col. North is a real big deal,” said Stevens. “We felt good because we have had considerable gains on the conservative causes in Galveston County, and this was a way to move it forward in a big way.”
Details of North’s visit were being worked out last week, said Stevens. The dinner is slated for March 19.
Stevens and others organizing the dinner were completing talks to have the dinner at the Galveston Island Convention Center.
Funds raised from the dinner will also go to North’s Freedom Alliance, a group that provides scholarships to the children of military killed in action, as well as local conservative organizations.
According to the Web site www.premierspeakers.com, North charges $30,000 per event, although, also according to the Web site, speaker fees vary based on length of presentation and do not include travel expenses.
North’s scheduled visit won’t be without some controversy. North is revered by conservatives for basically taking the heat for the handling of the Iran-Contra scandal and thus shielding President Ronald Reagan during congressional investigations. He has also championed many conservative causes in books, a radio show and speaking engagements.
He has been vilified by liberal groups as a traitor who was involved in deals made with a sworn enemy of the United States, Iran, to supply weapons to Contra rebels in Nicaragua during the 1980s.
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What: Galveston County Lincoln Day Dinner.
When: March 19.
Where: Galveston Island Convention Center (tentative).
Info: Call (281) 332-2899.
BUMP!!!!!!!!!!!
News flash to FrankWild - the Civil War ended nearly a Century and a half ago. Get over it.
Anyone with a ping list for Gal area events?
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