Lafayette County Election Results - Nov. 6, 2012

Visit the Lafayette County government website for Nov. 6, 2012, election results:
http://lafayettecountymo.com/http://lafayettecountymo.com/.

LAFAYETTE COUNTY REPUBLICANS ELECTION NIGHT WATCH PARTY DETAILS

Please join us for our complimentary...

ELECTION NIGHT WATCH PARTY

Compliments of Glen Kolkmeyer (candidate for 53rd Missouri Legislative District) with Harley Amos Todd (candidate for County Assessor) and Jennifer Jellum (candidate for County Treasurer)

At The Spotted Pig, 12ll Franklin, Lexington, with pizza served from Papa Jack's Pizza in Lexington, starting at 6:30 or come when the polls close at 7 PM . Complimentary appetizers as well as pizza and a cash bar. Several televisions to watch election returns on multiple channels. Come join us for a great evening of food and fellowship as we watch the election returns. Bring your friends and family!

For quick election night returns, click here.

Fast Lafayette County election returns are available as they come in to the Courthouse on the Lafayette County government website: http://lafayettecountymo.com

Join us Thursday, Nov. 1st for GOTV Rally in Higginsville and for Election Watch Party, Tuesday, Nov. 6th at Spotted Pig in Lexington

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 - GOTV Rally & Social with Sen. David Pearce for 21st Senatorial District, Glen Kolkmeyer for 53rd Legislative District, Harley Amos Todd for County Assessor, and Jennifer Jellum for County Treasurer. 

Join us at 5:30 PM at The Red Shanty, 2201 Highway 13, Higginsville. Snacks and cash bar. Stay for optional dinner afterwards; limited menu, Dutch Treat.   

FOR INVITATION AND FLYER ABOUT OUR CANDIDATES, CLICK ON THIS LINE.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6 - ELECTION DAY!!! Don't forget to vote!
ELECTION NIGHT WATCH PARTY EVENT - NEW LOCATION: The Spotted Pig, 12ll Franklin, Lexington, with pizza served from Papa Jack's Pizza in Lexington, starting when the polls close. Appetizers and drinks from The Spotted Pig and several televisions to watch election returns on multiple channels. Come join us for a great evening as we watch the election returns. Fast Lafayette County election returns are available as they come in to the Courthouse on the Lafayette County government website: http://lafayettecountymo.com/.

Glen Kolkmeyer To Host Six Meet & Greets Around Lafayette County This Week

Glen Kolkmeyer, candidate for the 53rd Missouri Legislative District, will host six Meet & Greets around Lafayette County this week at the following locations. Stop by if you have a moment and say hello to Glen as he visits Odessa, Higginsville, Concordia, Waverly, Alma and Lexington.

Tuesday, 10-30 @ 10:00 AM – Odessa – Mixing Bowl (816)-633-5500

Tuesday, 10-30 @ 1:30 PM – Higginsville - Hot Pots (660) 584-7646

Wednesday, 10-31 @ 10:00 AM – Concordia – Topsy’s (660) 463-1316

Wednesday, 10-31 @ 1:30 PM – Waverly – Apple BBQ (660) 493-2122

Thursday, 11-1 @ 9:30 AM – Alma- Cathy’s Coffee Shop (660) 674-2204

Thursday, 11-1 @ 2:00 PM – Lexington – Papa Jack’s (660) 259-9095

For more information about Glen, visit his website here.

Please Vote November 6th In Lafayette County For These Highly Qualified Republican Candidates

David Pearce for State Senate, 21^st District

Sen. David Pearce serves as the Chair of the Senate’s Committee on Education and is a member of the important Appropriations Committee, helping to decide how the state spends its budget of more than $24 billion. He believes state government should live within its means like Missouri families. He is 100% Pro Life, believes in protecting the 2^nd Amendment, and has a primary goal of protecting the interest of rural communities and providing more jobs for rural Missouri.

Glen Kolkmeyer for State House, 53^rd District

Glen Kolkmeyer is a lifelong resident of Lafayette County, a conservative small business owner, a retired Wellington-Napoleon Fire Chief of 20 years, and has volunteered 39 years of community service to the county. Glen believes in keeping taxes low, in stopping government waste, in defending innocent life, and protecting our 2^nd Amendment rights. He is dedicated to promoting local control of our public schools, helping small businesses and fighting for the family farm. 

Harley Amos Todd for Lafayette County Assessor

Harley Amos Todd (known to family and friends as Amos) has 12 years of experience in the real estate and finance industries, has hands-on experience evaluating real estate property taxes, a bachelor's degree from William Jewell, and is an advocate for computer technological advancements in the Assessor’s Office. Amos says, “The Assessor is the chief real estate officer for the county. As a real estate professional with a background in finance, I am qualified for this role and pledge honesty, integrity and fair property assessments in Lafayette County.”

Jennifer Jellum for Lafayette County Treasurer

Jennifer Jellum is currently serving as City Collector for Lexington and has served in that capacity for the last six years. In that position she has handled large amounts of revenue for the City of Lexington and has performed her duties with the highest professionalism and integrity. Jennifer will take her financial experience, ability and commitment to the Office of Lafayette County Treasurer and asks you to remember that she has the “Experience That Counts.”

Learn About Our Lafayette County Unopposed Candidates--short bios & photos here.

Get to Know Our Lafayette County Unopposed Candidates - Election 2012

We would appreciate your vote for these fine Republican candidates on November 6th.

Barb Copenhaver for County 

Public Administrator

Each day as public administrator, Barb Copenhaver uses her 28 years of teaching expertise and 61 years of life experience to care for approximately  100 individuals as directed by state statute through the Lafayette County Probate Court. She was elected to this office in 2008.

Thank you for your support of Barb Copenhaver for Lafayette County Public Administrator.

Tracy Dyer for Southern District Commissioner

Tracy Dyer was elected Southern District Commissioner in 2008 and represents the Lafayette County Commission on the Region F Solid Waste Board.

Thank you for your support of Tracy Dyer for Southern District Commissioner.

Mark Nolte for County Surveyor

Mark Nolte is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia and has been the Lafayette County Surveyor for the last 20 years. He is married to Carol and they have one daughter, Lily. Mark is co-owner of Nolte Land Surveying in Higginsville.

Thank you for your support of Mark Nolte for Lafayette County Surveyor.

Come join Jacob Turk for 5th CD at a Pizza Party In Lexington on October 17th!

Jacob Turk at Lexington Apples, Arts & Antiques Festival 2012

October 17 - Meet and Greet Pizza Party with Jacob Turk for 5th Congressional District, 6:30 PM, at Papa Jack's Pizza, 1014 Main, on the square in Lexington across from the Courthouse. Join us for free pizza, fellowship, conversation, and learn how you can help Jacob Turk for Congress and help carry him to victory.
Learn more about Jacob Turk on his website here.
Visit:Papa Jack's Pizza on Facebook here.

Upcoming Republican Events in Lafayette County

OCTOBER

October 14 - Glen Kolkmeyer invites you to a whole hog roast and fundraiser, 5 to 8 PM, at LaBella Winery, 11644 Flournoy School Road, Wellington. Catered by Nadler's Catering. Come join Glen for food and fellowship and to learn more about issues ahead for the 53rd Legislative District. To visit Glen's website, click here.

October 16 - Meet the Candidates Forum, 7 PM, American Legion Hall, 1001 W. 22nd. Street, Higginsville. Candidates invited: county level, state house, state senate and 5th Congressional District only. Sponsored by the American Legion, Lafayette Lead and the Farm Bureau.

October 17 - Meet and Greet Pizza Party with Jacob Turk for 5th Congressional District, 6:30 PM, at Papa Jack's Pizza, 1014 Main, on the square in Lexington across from the Courthouse. Join us for free pizza, fellowship, conversation, and learn how you can help Jacob Turk for Congress and help carry him to victory.

October 25 - Candidate Forum and Carry-In Dinner, 6:30 PM, at the Wellington Fair Building, downtown Wellington. All levels of candidates welcome. Sponsored by the Federated Republican Women's Club of Lafayette County. Service and drinks provided. Please bring one meat dish and one other dish. Candidates do not need to bring anything. 

NOVEMBER

NOVEMBER 6 - ELECTION DAY!!! Don't forget to vote!

ELECTION NIGHT WATCH PARTY EVENT - NEW LOCATION: The Spotted Pig, 12ll Franklin, Lexington, with pizza served from Papa Jack's Pizza in Lexington, starting when the polls close. Appetizers and drinks from The Spotted Pig and several televisions to watch election returns on multiple channels. Come join us for a great evening as we watch the election returns. Fast Lafayette County election returns are available as they come in to the Courthouse on the Lafayette County government website: http://lafayettecountymo.com/.

Grand Opening Scheduled for Sept. 18th at Lafayette County Republicans' HQ

All Candidates Invited!

Tuesday, Sept. 18th—GRAND OPENING OF OUR LAFAYETTE COUNTY GOP HEADQUARTERS, 6 to 8 PM with all attending candidates speaking at 7 PM.

HQ is located at 100. S. 2nd. Street, Odessa, Missouri.

ICE CREAM AND CAKE, PIE, COOKIES!  Stop by if you can.

A retirement lunch in honor of Sen. Bill Stouffer is set for Wednesday, Sept. 12th at the Capitol

You are invited!

Wednesday, Sept. 12th — Retirement lunch for Sen. Bill Stouffer, from 11:30 to 1, in Room 320, Missouri Capitol, 201 W. Capitol Avenue, Jefferson City, Mo. 

RSVP to Heidi Kolkmeyer at kolkmeyer@gmail.com.

9•11•01 REMEMBER!

Sharing this remembrance of September 11, 2001, from the United States Naval Academy:

"...for those of us who lived through these events, the only marker we’ll ever need is the tick of a clock at the 46th minute of the eighth hour of the 11th day." President George W. Bush

Romney accepts nomination at Tampa 2012 RNC Convention including links to news stories about MO Delegation

From Tampa

(Photo by Kay Hoflander, Missouri Delegate At-Large)

Mitt Romney accepts Republican nomination for President of the United States
on the final evening of the Tampa 2012 RNC Convention, August, 30, 2012

Mitt Romney closed his speech on Thursday night with this promise to America:

"Let me make this very clear — unlike President Obama, I will not raise taxes on the middle class. As president, I will protect the sanctity of life. I will honor the institution of marriage. And I will guarantee America's first liberty: the freedom of religion. President Obama promised to begin to slow the rise of the oceans and heal the planet. My promise is to help you and your family."

To read more quotes from Romney's talk, click here.

___________

TO SEE VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS OF THE RNC CONVENTION, click here.

LINKS TO VARIED & INTERESTING CONVENTION  NEWS STORIES ABOUT MISSOURI DELEGATION YOU MAY NOT HAVE SEEN ON THE NEWS

VIDEO: The Missouri Delegation's vote is read at the 2012 Republican National Convention - from You Tube. TO VIEW THE VIDEO, click here.

From Missourinet: What's hot at the RNC. Story by Mike Lear.

From Tampa Bay Business Journal: Missouri and RNC delegates ridin' storm out at area hotels.

From Michael Mahoney's 20 Pounds of Headlines: GOP Convo, MO Delegation Hotel Preps for Storm.

From Fox2Now & Paul Shankman Video: Missouri Republicans Hit with Akin Questions and Comments from Florida's Dave Barry.

From eMissourian.com: Eckelkamp: Akin Flap a Distraction in Tampa.

From Dave Helling and Steve Kraske, The Kansas City Star: Convention Buzz: Parties have perks, Paul camp lurks.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/08/28/3784526/parties-have-perks-paul-camp-lurks.html#storylink=cpy

Tidbits and thanks from the Missouri Delegation - Thursday, Aug. 30th, 2012 from Tampa and the RNC Convention

Tidbits to mention today:

A huge shoutout with our thanks to the RNC and the City of Tampa for excellent bus service last night. The night before, transportation was nightmarish for some, but last night, the system was humming and service was excellent. They worked the bugs out overnight apparently, and delegates could not have been happier.  Great job!

Missouri Delegates are treated each day of the convention to breakfast, lunch and dinner, courtesy of corporate sponsors, who also provide tote bags, gifts, notebooks, snacks, pins, pens, and yes, even chocolate lollipops with elephants on them. Here is a list of those folks, and we hope we are not leaving anyone out.  Thank you to all these businesses and organizations that have made our stay in Tampa so pleasurable!

Comcast
Med-Pay, Inc.
Ford Motor Company
T-Mobile
The Doe Run Company
Husch Blackwell
AT&T
BNSF Railway
Leggett & Platt, Inc.
Missouri Hospital Assn.
Home State Health Plan
Monsanto
Emerson
Express Scripts
Peabody Energy
Anthem Health
Anheuser Busch Companies
Enterprise Holdings PAC

Thursday, Aug. 30th--Ryan rocks the hall with call to action: "We Can Do This"!

(Photo downloaded from Drudge Report)


By Kay Hoflander, Missouri Delegate At-Large

Night #3 at Tampa 2012 was a night when the tables were turned. Paul Ryan went on the attack and the Romney-Ryan strategists took their message straight to the American people by taking the offense on Medicare.

To take a look at my comments on Missourinet this morning with more on Ryan's discussion of Medicare, click here.

 I guess one could say that the factual and clear message Ryan gave America last night was best described in how he dominated the Twitter world.  According to The Hill's headline today, "Ryan's convention speech prompts more tweets than both 2008 conventions." To read the full story, visit this link.

I tried to do my part, but it wasn't easy. His one-liners were happening so fast, I had trouble tweeting from my iPad quickly enough. Thankfully, my delegate friends Becky and Carla repeated them so I could tweet before the next one came rolling along. Believe me, tweeting, cheering, standing and waving a sign all at the same time was a indeed a challenge, but a whole barrel of fun.

Secret Service tightened the hall just before Ryan appeared, so if a delegate happened to be at a concession stand, he or she could not make their way back to the floor to hear him in person. Video screens were everywhere though, so no one really missed a thing. TV crews moved into the walkways interviewing as many delegates as they could just before Ryan appeared. The floor atmosphere last night was electric to say the least.

But I digress, back to Ryan's comments that energized the crowd as he attacked Obama's record.

Here are a few of Ryan's memorable quotes tweeted from the hall last night by a thousands, including myself:

"We can do this!"

"We will not replace our founding principles, we will reapply them.

"Our rights come from nature and God and not from government."

"Mitt is a prayerful and honorable man."

"Being successful in business is a good thing! Mitt has not only succeeded but succeeded where others have not."

"I've heard the songs on Romney's playlist and on elevators."  #funnyline"

 "College graduates should not have to stare at fading Obama posters in their childhood bedrooms." Great!

"You have not failed, your leaders have failed you."

"College grads should not have to live out their 20s in their childhood bedrooms."

Only Paul Ryan can get an applause line out of a percentage of GDP.

Ryan is saying everything we want to say to Independents to win them over.

Ryan--"To this day, my Mom is my role model."

"I'm going to level with you, we don't have much time" (to fix our country and economy)

"It's really simple. We need to quit spending money we don't have."

"These past 4 years we have suffered no shortage of words from the White House."

Ryan on Obama administration: "It began with a triple A credit rating and ended with a downgraded America."

"Our opponents can consider themselves on notice.  We want this debate.  We will win this debate."

"The greatest threat to Medicare is Obamacare."

And this final one I especially like was tweeted by Ari Fleishcer: "Anyone still wondering why Romney picked Ryan?"

Wednesday, August 29th RNC ConventionTheme -- "We Can Change It"

This morning at breakfast the Missouri Delegation heard from featured speaker John Gilmore, the former Governor of Virginia, and were credentialed for tonight's convention session themed "We Can Change It".

This afternoon, our delegation will be treated to the T Pepin Hospitality Center and dinner reception before we board busses for the Tampa Times Forum and the Wednesday night convention program.  Tonight we will hear from an array of powerful speakers including Sen. John Thune, Sen. John McCain, Sen. Rand Paul, and Condoleezza Rice, former Secretary of State.  The highlight of the convention tonight will be remarks from our Vice Presidential candidate the Hon. Paul Ryan, U.S. Congressman and the opportunity to meet his family.

It's almost convention time! More as we go.

Blogging from Tampa 2012 RNC Convention--Highlights and Headaches on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012

By Kay Hoflander, Missouri Delegate At-Large

Tuesday Headaches Could Not Dampen
 the Excitement of the Convention

This morning (Wednesday, Aug. 29th) at our usual Missouri delegate breakfast and credentialing, I happened to sit at a table in the corner with members of the Kansas City media, Michael Mahoney and Dave Helling and cameraman. I grabbed that spot on the side of the banquet room because I came in a tad late. Granted, our breakfast meeting was pushed back (thankfully) from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. due to delayed bus transportation the night before, but it was still difficult to make the 9 o'clock meeting after such a short night. The lack-of-sleep headache was this. For some of our delegation, it took two hours of sitting miserably on shuttle busses before they could get back to the hotel after the convention, some arrived at the hotel at 2 a.m. or later. Some but not all busses were forced to wait out a security clearance, a "sweep" that was underway, we were told.  I figured the 'news guys' at the breakfast table this morning would know what caused the snafu, so I asked. Their guess was as good as mine I suppose, and we agreed it had something to do with Mitt Romney's surprise appearance after Ann Romney spoke. He was in the area, and that may have caused the security headache. We will probably hear more about that today.

However, things could have been worse.  We could have been the poor delegates from Florida. The Tampa Bay Times wrote this morning that the Florida delegates were to board a bus in the suburbs and travel 30 minutes to the Forum for the convention. The busses did not show up, and after a long wait in 90-degree sweltering heat, the busses finally came. The story reads, "After an hour's bus ride, one bus of delegates arrived in downtown Tampa with a half-hour to spare. But at that point, for reasons unknown, the bus driver took a wrong turn."  Making several loops and loops around downtown, the driver attempted to try different routes to get to the Forum, unsuccessfully. Passengers began to panic and demand to get off the bus. One delegate was quoted as saying that the bus driver must have been a Democrat, however, it turned out that officers were turning him away at each place he might have stopped, again for whatever reasons that remain unknown. Eventually, Florida delegates arrived, but did miss part of the convention. 

Headaches inside the convention: the food, or lack of it.  Because the convention was compacted from four days into three, schedules changed regarding when our Missouri Delegation would eat lunch and dinner. We were given vouchers to buy concession food inside the Forum. Long lines, limited food, and in some cases, vouchers that didn't work, left us settling for whatever food and beverage we could find. A mild headache yes, but even that could not dampen our spirits and excitement that was growing for the evening's program ahead.

On-the-floor headaches: credential and rules committee reports were met with boos from some galleries and from within our own delegation, to some degree.  However, the Party Platform was generally liked and even applauded by most delegates. News stories today are easy to find about the adoption of credential, rules and platform reports, so I won't go into the lengthy details of those here and leave that to you to research.

Excitement in the Hall

• The Missouri Delegates were sought after by reporters for interviews on camera and in print, without question, they told us, because of the Todd Aiken controversy. Although the subject was a difficult one, it was exciting for our delegates to be interviewed, and most enjoyed the process and the opportunity to share their views. One thing we all seem to agree on is that Missouri delegates are respectful of each others' disparate viewpoints and want to focus on winning the state for Mitt Romney and on winning our statewide races in November. Practically everyone who was interviewed echoed that same sentiment.

• The Tuesday evening's theme was "We Built It" and it is perhaps best presented in pictures. Take a look at our photos of Tuesday night's exciting and inspirational session on our Faeebook page located here: https://www.facebook.com/lafayettecountyrepublicans.

Dave Spence for MO Governor & his wife Suzie visit MO Delegates in Tampa

Dave and Suzie Spence visited the Missouri Delegation at our host hotel in Tampa tonight, Monday, Aug. 27th for an Italian fare dinner and delicious dessert bar. Chairman David Cole introduced Dave Spence (for Governor) to a standing ovation and a second one at the end of his rousing talk. The group was also treated to remarks from Suzie Spence who gave an outstanding call to win this gubernatorial election in November. Senator Roy Blunt and family attended the evening gathering and spent a lot of time visiting one-on-one with Missouri Delegates, Alternates and their guests. Another wonderful event planned by the Missouri GOP and the superwoman team of Emily Kliethermes and Michelle Wright, MoGOP coordinators! Many thanks All!

Rain, sandbags inside the hotel, and lots of newspapers at our door greeted Missouri Delegates this morning in Tampa

Visit our Lafcopolitics Facebook page for more photos of the Missouri Delegation's activities on

 Monday, Aug. 27th at Tampa 2012 RNC Convention at link below.

https://www.facebook.com/lafayettecountyrepublicans

Sunday, August 26th RNC-hosted Welcome Event at Tropicana Field, Home of the Rays

More news about "What Your Missouri Delegation Did Today" on Sunday, August 26th in Tampa

by Kay Hoflander - Missouri At-Large Delegate

Our Missouri Delegation along with delegates, alternates and guests from across the country attended a spectacular welcome event tonight at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. It was a short 25-minute bus ride from our hotel. We were one of the lucky delegations with not far to travel.  Roads were blocked and closed to traffic as we neared the ballpark. Police, Secret Service, Homeland Security and scores of other law enforcement officers kept our way safe and secure. The biggest challenge we encountered was finding the right bus back to the hotel, but it really wasn't too bad, and now we know the bus system for the upcoming convention sessions.

When the Missouri Delegation boarded the bus to leave the hotel for the event, we were filmed and some were interviewed by Dave Helling of the Kansas City Star. Check out one of his blogs here:
http://midwestdemocracy.com/articles/delegates-arrive-tampa-eye-sky/

Upon arrival at Tropicana Field, we went through metal detectors and all the necessary security checks to enter a world of brightly costumed pirates and acrobats, bands and singers and glorious, scrumptuous food.  The fresh Ceviche seafood salad with shrimp, scallops, onions and lime was perhaps my favorite. On second thought, the richness of the lobster mac 'n' cheese and crispy Grouper sliders were close seconds. Pulled pork and Paella, too. All amazing.

Pictures speak louder than words: take a look at our Lafayette County Facebook page to see photos of this colorful warm welcome Tampa gave to the RNC convention attendees. Once again, thank you Tampa!

Photos here: https://www.facebook.com/lafayettecountyrepublicans

A shout out to the great ladies we met tonight from the California Federation of Republican Women.

More tomorrow...

FINAL NOTE: David Espo of the Associated Press posted this story tonight of recent events leading up to the RNC Convention and the aftermath: "Romney's convention: Big storm, rape controversy".

More from Tampa 2012 RNC Convention - Sunday, August 26

The rains started in Tampa this afternoon, but it's a mild downpour so far.  This won't damper the spirits of the Missouri Delegation tonight, however, as we will attend the covered Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg for the RNC-hosted Welcome Event.

At this afternoon's meeting, Delegates were given the opportunity of actually signing the petition to place Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan's names in nomination. In the past, this was reserved for 5 selected states, but now any delegate from any state also has that chance. The document could make its way into a Romney Presidential Museum one day. Needless to say, most Missouri delegates signed, although some still pledged to Santorum did not.

Tomorrow, early breakfast and credentialing. For lunch we will visit renowned Ybor City in Tampa's historic Latin Quarter. Famous for its tradition of watching hand-rolled cigars being made, Ybor City was founded by Vincente Martinez Ybor (e-bor) as a cigar-manufacturing center. Today it is one of only two National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida, guides tell us. Can't wait to see the charm of the city which also includes the smell of Cuban coffee being roasted. Cuban coffee, here we come!

Blogging from Tampa, Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012--What Your Missouri Delegation Did Today

That some good can be derived from every event is a better proposition

 than that everything happens for the best, which it assuredly does not. - Author Unknown

By Kay Hoflander, Missouri Delegate At-Large

Good morning from Tampa as our Missouri Delegation begins Day One of the convention amidst schedule changes, a tropical storm, and yes, we still have the "the mess" at home, as it is being referred to in Tampa. As much as we try to put the Aiken debacle behind us, we can't. At every turn, Missourians are asked about it by other convention goers, media and just about everyone else we encounter.

 Nevertheless, we as delegates and alternates are excited to get to the business at hand of the convention--talking about the real life issues that plague our country--the sad state of our economy, job losses and general dissatisfaction with the way our country is being led by Obama, which is actually not at all in our view. We are looking for our strong presidential and vice presidential team, Romney and Ryan, to bring the United States of America back to it's days of being a "shining city on a hill."

You will no doubt remember that President Ronald Reagan used these words well in his in his 1984 acceptance of the Republican Party nomination and in his January 11, 1989, farewell speech to the nation:..."I've spoken of the shining city all my political life, but I don't know if I ever quite communicated what I saw when I said it. But in my mind it was a tall proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, wind-swept, God-blessed, and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace, a city with free ports that hummed with commerce and creativity, and if there had to be city walls, the walls had doors and the doors were open to anyone with the will and the heart to get here. That's how I saw it and see it still.."

But I digress, back to the business at hand today.

 At 2 PM today, the Missouri Delegation will meet in our hotel ballroom to discuss the schedule changes ahead.

Last night we received this message from Chairman David Cole: "To delegates, alternates, and guests,

By now, you have probably heard that the RNC has postponed the first day of the convention.  At this time, we do not believe that there is any danger to visitors; however, this decision was made out of an abundance of caution.

Please keep in mind that this postponement only affects the convention itself.  All of the Missouri delegation events, including the 2:00 delegation meeting on Sunday, the evening host reception, and the breakfast on Monday, will continue as planned. In lieu of Monday’s convention sessions, we are currently in the process of identifying possible events for our delegates and alternates. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow (Sunday)!"

David Cole

And one side note: the Missouri host hotel is actually inside the airport, a great location, and is affording us the best of hospitality as well. Thank you Tampa Airport Marriott and all the great Tampa convention volunteers who are here to greet and help us. And, we can easily see why this airport is ranked at the top nationally--perfect ambiance, music, art, quality food choices and an abundance of shops. One airport shop is giving out American flag lapel pins with a purchase, so a shout out to Radio Road with our thanks.

More as we go.. 

Blogging from Tampa, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012--What Your Missouri Delegation Did Today

By Kay Hoflander, Missouri Delegate At-Large

As the 2012 RNC Convention goers arrived Saturday evening in Tampa, they were met with the news that the convention will be postponed a day due to impending severe weather from Tropical Storm Issac as it "bore down menacingly on Florida".  To read the full story from the Associated Press, click here.

Several Missouri delegates, alternates and guests as well as Kansas City Channel 9 reporter/blogger Michael Mahoney and his 20 Pounds of Headlines were on our Kansas City late afternoon flight to Tampa. Read his first blog of the trip here.  He sat a couple of rows ahead of me, but I refrained from tapping him on the shoulder and saying something stupid.  We have had quite enough of that in Missouri in the past week, in my humble opinion.

As we were taxiing in, I turned my iPhone on, admittedly early because the girl across the aisle already had hers on and because I couldn't wait to get to the news. However, before I could get to the Drudge Report, my phone rang. How slick was this. It was a conference call for delegates from Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus explaining that the convention would be postponed a day and giving us early details on how that would work. Much appreciated timely information.

Check here again for daily reports on "What Your Missouri Delegation Did Today."

GOP Convention Announces Entertainment Lineup

GOP Convention Announces Entertainment Lineup

Tampa, Fla. – Besides the serious business of nominating the next president and vice president of the United States, there will also be plenty of quality entertainment at the 2012 Republican National Convention, organizers promised today.

“We’ve booked outstanding performers and world-famous acts,” said Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, who today announced the entertainers who will be on hand.  “The convention attendees will be treated to special performances they will remember for a very long time.”

Performers will cover the spectrum of music genres, Priebus said, “Everything from pop and rock to country and gospel.”

The performance lineup will feature an exclusive, worldwide premiere of “One Light,” a new single from the Grammy award-winning rock band, 3 Doors Down. The group has sold more than 20 million recordings since its 2000 debut. 

"We are honored to be asked to play the RNC and are excited about our performance,” said Brad Arnold, lead singer of 3 Doors Down.  “We consider it a privilege.”

Other performers include Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Oak Ridge Boys, Neal Boyd, Randy Owens, Jack Blades of Night Ranger, Taylor Hicks and BeBe Winans.

The complete list of entertainers performing at the Republican Convention is as follows:

The House Band

GE Smith & the GE Smith Band

George Edward "G. E." Smith is an American guitarist. He was the lead guitarist in the band Hall & Oates and the musical director of Saturday Night Live. Smith was lead guitarist of Bob Dylan's touring band from June 7, 1988 to October 19, 1990.

http://gesmithmusic.wordpress.com

Monday, August 27

Oak Ridge Boys

The Oak Ridge Boys are an American country and gospel vocal quartet. The group was founded in the 1940s as the Oak Ridge Quartet. They became popular in southern gospel during the 1950s.

http://oakridgeboys.com

Conrad Oberg

Conrad is a seventeen year-old musician and vocalist from Jacksonville, Florida who is legally blind.  He has been playing music since the age of two. He has received accolades on an international level, being chosen by 12 million Cartoon Network viewers as the most talented teen musician in the country.

http://www.conradoberg.com/about.html

Lynyrd Skynyrd

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and American Icon, Lynyrd Skynyrd is an American rock band best known for popularizing the Southern rock genre during the 1970s with their signature hits like Sweet Home Alabama, Freebird and many others.

http://www.lynyrdskynyrd.com

Tuesday, August 28

Philip Alongi

New Jersey native Philip Alongi is an exciting young tenor whose powerful voice matches his stature. He has performed over a dozen major operatic roles throughout the U.S.

http://www.philipalongi.com/opera/Home.html

Neal E. Boyd

Neal E. Boyd is an American pop opera singer. He is best known as the 2008 winner of America's Got Talent.  Neal resides in Missouri where he is a candidate for the State’s 160^th House District Seat. 

http://nealeboydformissouri.com/

Lane Turner

Michael Lane Turner is an American singer-songwriter. Signed to Warner Bros. Records since 2004, he released two singles for the label, including "Always Wanting More," which reached No. 56 on the Hot Country Songs charts in 2004.

http://www.newcountrystar.com/LaneTurner.htm

Randy Owen

Randy Owen is an American country music artist. He is known primarily for his role as the lead singer of Alabama, a country rock band that saw considerable mainstream success throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

http://www.randyowen.com

Jack Blades

Jack Martin Blades is an American musician. He has worked in several bands: Rubicon, Night Ranger, and Damn Yankees. He also recorded with Tommy Shaw under the name Shaw/Blades, and has done work alongside TMG, the Tak Matsumoto Group.

http://www.jackblades.net

3 Doors Down

From that first explosive burst of Kryptonite which ignited their storied career at the top of last decade, to subsequent multi-platinum albums, and a non-stop touring regimen that finds them still notching shows around the world at a record pace, 3 Doors Down have earned a hard-fought pedigree as one of Rock’s most exciting and authentic radio icons.  Their impressive and steady ascension up the ladder has seen them score multiple #1 hits, snag several Billboard and other awards, and log scores of sold-out shows over a growing global terrain that is nearing 40 countries. 3 Doors Down have sold more than 20 million albums worldwide and have played in excess of over 1,000 shows.

http://www.3doorsdown.com

Wednesday, August 29

Ayla Brown

Ayla Marie Brown is an American recording artist from Wrentham, Massachusetts and former NCAA basketball player. She is also known for her American Idol showing, placing in the Top 16 on season 5 in 2006.

http://www.aylabrown.com

Beau Davidson

Beau Davidson is an American recording artist, actor, and model. He has appeared on Country Music Television, Great American Country, MTV and Vh1, as well as television shows and print magazines.

http://www.beaudavidson.com

The Katinas

The Katinas are a Contemporary Christian music group. The family of five brothers hails from American Samoa, and moved to Washington, USA after the death of their mother in 1988.  They now reside in Nashville, Tennessee where they sustain a heavy touring schedule.

http://thekatinas.com

Danny Gokey

Daniel Jay "Danny" Gokey is an American country music singer and church music director from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was the third place finalist on the eighth season of American Idol.  His wife, Sophia, encouraged him to try out for American Idol and died one month before his audition from a congenital heart condition.  Danny established the Sophie’s Heart Foundation in her memory to make a positive impact on students’ lives through a Music and Arts Program

http://www.dannygokey.com/

Thursday, August 30

The Mighty Sound of SEVEN

The acclaimed operatic talents and musical careers of Amick Byram, Charlie Harris, Frank Hernandez,  John Cavazos, Kelly Ford, Phil Armstrong & Van Dobbins III have converged to form the vocal ensemble known as, SEVEN.

https://thesoundofseven.com

Taylor Hicks

Taylor Reuben Hicks is an American singer who won the fifth season of American Idol. Hicks got his start as a professional musician in his late teens and performed around the southeastern United States.

http://taylorhicks.com

BeBe Winans

Benjamin "BeBe" Winans is a gospel and R&B singer. He is a multiple Grammy, Dove, NAACP, Soul Train and Stellar-Award winning member of the noted Winans family, most members of which are also gospel artists.

http://www.bebewinans.net

Tampa Gospel Choir

This Tampa Bay area choir is under the leadership of Marvin Winans, Jr.

About the 2012 Republican National Convention

The 2012 Republican National Convention will be held at the Tampa Bay Times Forum August 27-30, 2012.  Nearly 50,000 visitors are expected to come to the Tampa Bay area for the event, including delegates, alternate delegates, media and other guests.  For more information about the 2012 Republican National Convention, become part of the virtual convention atwww.ConventionWithoutWalls.com, visit our website www.GOPConvention2012.com and check out our official blog,Conventional Wisdom, at www.gopconvention2012.com/blog/.

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