Sen. Thune to address Lincoln Days in February

U.S. Senator John Thune (Photo/Missouri GOP)

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Adding to the excitement surrounding the Missouri Republican Party’s annual meeting: United States Senator John Thune, from South Dakota. Thune is one of more than a dozen testing the waters for a possible 2012 presidential bid.

“Republicans in Missouri, like so many other states, saw unprecedented victories at the county, state, and national levels in November,” said Sen. Thune. “I am honored to visit with some of the Missouri conservatives who worked hard to deliver these victories. I look forward to hearing from them as we discuss how to continue to grow our party and implement policies that will improve our economy.”

Thune ousted Democratic-leader Tom Daschle in 2004, giving him early national prominence.  Thune made headlines late in 2010 during the debate about the renewal of the strategic arms treaty with Russia.

“This year, we are excited that Senator John Thune will share his vision of our party’s future with Missouri’s committed Republican volunteers and activists,” said David Cole, Chairman of the Missouri Republican Party. “Sen. Thune’s address could not come at a more important time—as Republicans begin the task of putting our nation back on track after making historic gains in the 2010 elections.”

Thune will be addressing the group at the 112th Missouri Lincoln Days, which will take place in Springfield from February 25-27. Republican sources tell PoliticMo that another presidential ‘water-tester’ may also be joining the group – probably on the Friday, rather than the Saturday. Source says it is not, at this point, one of the top three names (Palin, Romney, Huckabee.)

Who ever speaks – it will likely be a huge crowd. It is the largest gathering of Missouri Republicans all year, and his year, it is in the party’s southwest Missouri stronghold.

“We expect hundreds of conservative activists and elected officials from all across the state to join us in Springfield, and are thrilled that Senator John Thune will be delivering the keynote address,” said Leigh Anne Garren, the event planner and President of the Missouri Association of Republicans.

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