Republican’s from across Missouri will gather in Kansas City this weekend for the party’s annual Lincoln Days Celebration.

This is the 113^th annual event, and organizers are expecting a record number of attendees.

Eric Zahnd is President of the Missouri Association of Republicans.

Eric Zahnd 2012A354  

Three Republican candidates seeking their party’s nomination for US Senate will also square off in what’s been labeled a town hall style candidate forum Saturday morning at the Westin Crown Center in Kansas City.  Congressman Todd Akin and former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman debated in Branson last month, while St. Louis businessman John Brunner declined an invitation to attend the event presented by Earls Family Broadcasting and Hometown Radio.

A 4^th announced candidate in the race, Mark Lodes of Ferguson has not been invited to participate in the Kansas City forum.  Party leaders do not consider him a viable candidate – saying he hasn’t generated enough support, or raised enough money.

Official filing for office begins February 28^th.

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The Missouri Republican Party is gathering in Kansas City this weekend for the 113^th annual Lincoln Days Celebration at the Westin Crown Center.

Scheduled events include a town hall style candidate forum for those running for US Senate.  Congressman Todd Akin, former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman, and St. Louis businessman John Brunner will attend, making this the first time all three have appeared together at an event since the campaign started.  Not on the invitation list, Mark Lodes of Ferguson, who calls himself an underdog, with very little grass roots support.

In an interview with HometownDailyNews.com, Eric Zahnd, President of the Missouri Association of Republicans was asked, why Lodes wasn’t invited:

Eric Zahnd 2012A355 

Lodes has not returned a message for comment.  But he posted a statement on his Facebook page saying the Executive Director of the Missouri Republican Party told him he needed 50-thousand dollars and / or 5 percent support in a public poll to have a place Saturday at the podium.  Lodes is asking supporters to make a donation to help make that appearance happen.

Official filing for office begins February 28^th.

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After declining two previous invitations to debate, St. Louis businessman John Brunner is now joining two other Republican candidates for US Senate in what’s been called a town hall style candidates forum at Saturday’s Lincoln Days Celebration in Kansas City. 

Congressman Todd Akin, and former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman participated in a Conversation with the Candidates last month at Branson High School.  Brunner’s campaign said he couldn’t commit to the event presented by Earls Family Broadcasting and Hometown Radio.  A similar event was held in early January inSt. Louis.

Eric Zahnd, President of the Missouri Association of Republicans, is coordinating this weekend’s convention. He was asked if state party members would hear about the issues during the Republican controlled forum:

Eric Zahnd 2012A356  

A 4^th announced candidate in the race, Mark Lodes of Ferguson has not been invited to participate in the Kansas City forum.  Party leaders do not consider him a viable candidate – saying he hasn’t generated enough support, or raised enough money.

Official filing for office begins February 28^th.

=====(4^th Version)=====

The Missouri Republican Party is gathering in Kansas City this weekend for the 113^th annual Lincoln Days Celebration at the Westin Crown Center.

Scheduled events include a town hall style candidate forum for those running for US Senate.  Congressman Todd Akin, former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman, and St. Louis businessman John Brunner will attend, making this the first time all three have appeared together at an event since the campaign started.  Not on the invitation list, Mark Lodes (lotus) of Ferguson, who calls himself an underdog, with very little grass roots support.