Republicans host annual social dinner

Hubbard County Republicans arrived in number at their annual social dinner, rallying enthusiasm and candidate support for the election ahead.

Candidates arriving for the event included Mike Cummins, who is the 8th Dist. candidate for the U.S. House, opposing Jim Oberstar.

Doug Lindgren is making a bid for the state House of Representatives in Dist. 2B, hoping to reclaim the seat lost to Brita Sailer.

And incumbent Rep. Larry Howes will face Meg Bye in the Dist. 4B House election.

"The good news is the Independents our coming to our side," said Dorothy Fleming, deputy chair of the Minnesota Republican Party. "Minnesota is now a battleground state. We did it. This is big.

"Now our next job is the Democrats - we've got to get 'em," she said, meeting applause.

"Democrats think like we do, they just vote Democrat. I know in some point in time, they will cross the line to McCain and Palin," Fleming said.

"If there's no other reason to vote Republican, it's for the safety of the family," she said, echoing opinions of the candidates.

Fleming said as a delegate to the national Republican convention, she sat in the front row and witnessed the "stark contrast between the opponent's wife" - Michelle Obama - "and Cindy McCain.

"This is a room filled with men and women who've served their country in the military," Fleming said. "That job isn't over. I want John McCain answering the phone at 3 a.m. He's a hero with the experience to lead."

She urged her audience to request air time on local radio stations and write letters to the editor.

"The difference between the parties is Democrats believe in the power of government; Republicans believe in the power of people," she concluded.

Moral high ground

"The DFL platform is the epitome of unaccountability," Steve Booth told the 140 people who'd gathered for the event. "The Republican platform is the moral high ground."

Elected federal officials "squandered opportunities," he said of "those elected to overturn Roe vs. Wade, make tax cuts permanent" and address other issues.

The Republican platform is pro life and pro marriage, the retired Marine Corps major stressed. "It's the number one and two criteria in making life's decisions."

But politicians failed, he said. "They should fall under negative scrutiny if they are not what they claim to be."

He spoke for "pro gun" issues and abolishing abortion in Minnesota. The moral high ground, he said, will be persecuted by the devil on a daily basis.

"The Democrats don't want us to focus on the sanctity of human life and marriage," he said. "They know their position is indefensible."

He cited the number of Supreme Court cases dealing with these issues as a barometer of their importance.

"We need to force Democrats to justify killing unborn babies... That's our platform; that's why we're Republican," he said, drawing a standing ovation.

A change in color needed Cummins told his audience he's having fun on the campaign trail. "My wife's biggest fear is that I'll win."

He cited the "number one question" is politicians' stands on abortion. "I'm 100 percent pro-life," he assured the audience.

"We need to continue to hammer on morality," he said. "Nothing is as important as life.

"The 8th District needs to change its colors," he said. "We need conservative people in elected office to get conservative people in front of the American people."

Howes pointed out his 100 percent voting record in the House and with the National Rifle Association.

"I cling to my gun and religion," he said, "maybe more than I should."

Although he acknowledged he faces a "reasonably tough race" for the Dist. 4B seat, he said, "I think it's okay. Her passion's in Duluth; mine's here."

He said Sailer's votes on issues "have the Democrats nervous."

"Brita has to go," Lindgren said, citing her vote in favor of the 8.5-cent gas tax and other controversial issues.

Salier "took away" the last election, he said. "But I'm fired up. She's not doing it again."

He urged people to support him with campaign signs and conversation with neighbors.

"I want to be your representative again."