Third annual Lincoln Day Banquet’s keynote speakers spark counter-rally

The third annual Lincoln Day Banquet was held tonight at Melaleuca Global Headquarters. The fundraiser event is considered the biggest GOP event of the year in Idaho. It funds events and Republican candidates throughout the year.

Hundreds of people from around the area showed up to see WallBuilders founder, David Barton and Lt. Governor Janice McGeachin, the keynote speakers of the event. However, Barton’s and McGeachin’s appearance has prompted some community leaders to protest their event.

Mark Fuller, Bonneville County Republican Chairman says, he’s used to this kind of backlash.

“Every time we put on this event the Democrats try to find some way to knock us down or prevent people from coming,” chairman of the Bonneville County Republican Center Committee Mark Fuller said. “We will certainly not do this when they have their event because we encourage them to have freedom of speech, say what they think is best, we know any speaker that we invite the Democrats won’t like, so that doesn’t concern me at all.”