Lincoln Day Dinner Attracts Prominent Idaho, Region Republicans

Lincoln Day is an annual celebration and fund raising event for Republican party members around the country.

With the Gem State’s first-ever presidential caucus on Tuesday, Saturday night’s Lincoln Day dinner at the Idaho Falls Shilo Inn held particularly special importance for southeastern Idaho Republicans.

“We’re celebrating the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln,” said U.S. Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho. “Having said that, we also talk a little politics, obviously.”

Saturday night’s District 7 Lincoln day dinner was a who’s-who of Idaho Republicans.

“We always take the opportunity to celebrate with our eastern Idaho Republicans who have always been so supportive,” said Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter.

Otter says it’s also an opportunity for what he calls “rallying the troops.” With the state’s first presidential caucus on Tuesday, eastern Idahoans have more say than ever.

“We will have a say-so, and it’ll be the first time in a long time,” said Otter.

Saturday served to not only celebrate that “say-so,” but to hear from some prominent party members.

“I’m just honored to be here speaking on his behalf tonight and being among friends at this Lincoln Day dinner,” said former U.S. Senator for Arizona, now conservative radio talk show host J.D. Hayworth.

Speaking on behalf of Newt Gingrich, Hayworth said the former speaker of the house asked him to be in Idaho. He said he and Gingrich worked together during what he calls the Clinton administration’s “war on the West.”

“We were able to work very hard to strike a balance, always keeping in mind Western values, and a Western way of life, and so he asked me to come,” said Hayworth.

With Gingrich represented, Otter took the opportunity to endorse his candidate of choice as well.

“I’ve had several opportunities in a professional and both political way to work with governor Romney, and I watched him bring the Salt Lake Olympics from near disaster to a terrific profitable finish,” said Otter.

The Saturday night dinner welcomed Republicans from across the state and region. Bingham County Sheriff Dave Johnson and former Utah governor Mike Leavitt were there.

Sunday was a very special day for Idaho as well. It was March 4, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the act creating the Idaho territory.