This previous weekend, February 16th-18th, WashU College Republicans (WashU CRs) attended the “Lincoln Days” event hosted by the Missouri GOP as a yearly celebration and convention for the party. WashU CRs, as well as College Republicans from other schools, were invited to the event and had their admissions and food generously paid for by Will Scharf, a candidate for Attorney General, who is a former Federal Prosecutor and is currently active on the legal team of former President Trump. The Scharf campaign also hosted a lunch with the College Republicans delegations present to discuss contemporary political issues.
The most remarked upon part of the event was the presence of Senator Josh Hawley, who gave a speech about his family, Joe Biden’s age, the importance of religion in the maintenance of the country, and US-China relations. Present at the speech were Hawley’s three children, whom the Senator lent the microphone to, as well as Erin Hawley, the wife of the Senator who works as a lawyer for the religious liberty group Alliance Defending Freedom. After his speech, Hawley met with and chatted with the attendees of the speech, including the College Republicans delegations present.
The event also featured a debate between the Republican candidates for Governor, which include State Senator Bill Eigel, Secretary of State John Ashcroft, businessman Chris Wright. and Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe. The debate was noted for its tense exchanges as Eigel and Ashcroft criticized Kehoe for his support of further gas and sales taxes as a means of raising revenue for highways. Though polling is sparse, this year’s gubernatorial primary, with its uncertain outcome, will transfix the attention of many of those interested in politics.
The Missouri Federation of College Republicans had its yearly elections of new positions at the event, with WashU CR President Mason Letteau Stallings being elected as the Chairman of the State Federation, Anthony Laurenceau of SLU being elected as Secretary, and Nick Adams of Truman State being elected to the position of treasurer. Outgoing Chairman Trey Faucheaux of Mizzou and Chairman-emeritus Carter Fortman of SLU were also present.