Missouri Republicans kicked off Lincoln Days with a rally for the top of the ticket.
Southwest Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt fired up the crowd gathered at the St. Charles Convention Center by taking shots at Democrats in Washington and claiming that his likely race against Democrat Robin Carnahan will be an “uncomplicated” race. Blunt, the favorite of Missouri Republican officials to replace Republican Senator Christopher “Kit” Bond who is retiring, outlined stark differences between his views and those of Secretary of State Carnahan.
Blunt criticized cap and trade legislation that passed the United States House in Washington as extremely harmful to Missouri, because the state relies on coal which would be penalized under the bill. Blunt called the policies of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and US Senate leader Harry Reid extreme. He said that Americans are becoming aware of the agenda of Democrats in Washington being pushed by President Obama and have become alarmed. Blunt especially criticized the health care overhaul bill being pushed by the Obama Administration as out-of-step with the views of most Americans.
Blunt will have to win the Republican primary in August to face a showdown with Democrat Carnahan. His top challenger among fellow Republicans is State Senator Chuck Purgason of Caulfield, who has said the Blunt doesn’t represent truly conservative Republicans and has become part of the problem, not the solution in Washington.
Missouri Republicans will spend the weekend in St. Charles, rallying and preparing for the 2010 election cycle.They hear from Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty tonight.
AUDIO: SW MO Congressman Blunt rallies faithful at Lincoln Days in St. Charles [20 min]
