Rallying the troops
Grassley, Latham make a stop in HumboldtBy KATIE WILLIAMS, Messenger staff writer
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HUMBOLDT - It's not just about the next four years, it's about the next 40 years.
That was the message at the Humboldt County Republican Central Committee fundraiser Thursday evening at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds. Approximately 100 people attended the event.
Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, and Rep. Tom Latham, R-Iowa, both made appearances at the event. They each stressed that the next person elected to the United States presidency could be the deciding factor in two seats for the Supreme Court, a position held for life, not just over the four years the president will serve.
Both Republicans were critical of Sen. Barack Obama, the presumptive Democratic Party nominee for president.
''Obama has a great potential to implode,'' Latham said.
Grassley agreed.
''We need people on the Supreme Court who interpret the law, not make the law,'' said Grassley. ''If you're only interested in the short-term then you don't understand the importance of the presidency.''
Grassley said the next president needs to have substance rather than charisma.
''It takes a lot more than charisma to be a good president of the United States,'' said Grassley. ''A campaign based on two words - change and hope - isn't saying much.''
Grassley said McCain has the substance to be the president based on his experience.
''I don't know one person that McCain has deserted,'' Grassley said. ''You can feel his conviction.''
Master of ceremonies for the event Isaiah McGee, of the Republican State Central Committee, said Grassley would know the difference between Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama because he worked with both of them very closely.
''But they can't win on their own,'' McGee said. ''We need you to go out and tell your neighbors and friends and relatives.''
McGee said he hoped to turn the excitement for the presidential elections into action.
''We need to be vocal about our principles,'' said Latham. ''We can do everything we can ... but it won't make a difference if we don't have your help.''
Marla Ramaekers, secretary for the Humboldt County Republican Party Central Committee, said they had asked Grassley to attend their annual event for several years but this was the first time he was in the area and was able to come.
''We're so glad it came together. We've worked very hard,'' said Ramaekers. ''We had everyone but McCain. We did try to get him, but he was busy.''
Also in attendance and speaking were Dr. Steve Richards, of Algona, who is running for state representative and Christopher Reed, of Solon, who is running for the U.S. Senate as the Republican Party's nominee.
A meal was served before the speakers and awards were given to the members who donated $100 to the club. A pie auction and a silent auction were held afterward.
Contact Katie Williams at (515) 573-2141 or katie@messengernews.net.
