MANISTIQUE - The Schoolcraft County Republican Party will be hosting its "Road to Victory" Kick Off 2012 event this Saturday, according to the group's chairman.
The event will begin Saturday at 5 p.m., with a reception and social hour at the Comfort Inn in Manistique, according to Schoolcraft County Republican Party Chairman Paul Walker. Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. and at 7 p.m., U.S. Rep. Dan Benishek will be the keynote speaker, addressing his re-election bid and issues of concern to his constituents. He will be introduced by Delta County GOP Chair Paul Neumeier.
"Our event will continue on with a candidate forum, whereas each candidate will be allowed five minutes to discuss his or her candidacy," said Walker. "We will start with federal candidates, then to state office candidates, then move on to county candidates. After the candidates complete their platforms, the floor will be open for a question and answer session."
Among the guests attending the sold-out event are representatives from the Michigan Republican Party, including Co-Chair Sharon Wise, First District Chair Jeff Lamb, and First DIstrict Co-Chair Mary Sears. State elected officials, including Sen. Tom Casperson, Rep. Ed McBroom, Rep. Matt Huuki, and Rep. Frank Foster, will also be in attendance.
Presidential campaign representatives for Mitt Romney and Ron Paul will also be present, as will the campaigns for Debbie Stabenow's U.S. Senate seat: Gary Glenn, Randy Hekman, Pete Hoekstra, Pete Konetchy, and Clark Durant.
Jim Hafeman and Jack Hubbard, who are running for the Michigan House of Representatives' 109th district seat, will also be in attendance, along with officials from Schoolcraft County: Prosecutor Tim Noble, incumbent Sheriff Grant Harris, and County Commissioner for District 1 incumbent Craig Reiter. Commissioner Dan LaFoille is also running for Schoolcraft County Commissioner District 5, but will not be in attendance due to a prior commitment.
"As Schoolcraft County Republican Chairman, my job is to get all Michiganders involved in what is happening with their governments by volunteering, donations, joining clubs or organizations, running for office, and most importantly, voting," said Walker. "Our 'Road to Victory' Kick Off 2012 event has been in the works for several months, and the entire event is a collaborative effort by all members of our party."
The group currently is in the planning phase for its Lincoln Day Dinner, held in late spring, and the 'Countdown to Primary' event in late July.
For more information on the Schoolcraft County Republican Party, its website is www.scrp.org, and on Facebook, www.facebook.com/SCRPMI.