Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Newt in Pott...........

………. County this yesterday for the 5th District Federation of Republican Women. Another of our Real War Correspondents, Danette Hein-Snider, current first Vice President and incoming President of the Fifth District Federation was on hand to file a first hand report of the event.

The 5th District Federation of Republican Women of Iowa hosted the reception for Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich at the Council Bluffs Public Library on May 22, as part of a tour to promote his latest novel Pearl Harbor.I enjoy a very cordial relationship with our fellow Republicans in Nebraska and was pleased when the Nebraska Federation of Republican Women joined in the effort to promote this event on their side of the river. Brigitta Hebdon, vice-president of the Loess Hills Republican Women (Pottawattamie County), served as emcee and the reception opened with Iowa State Representative Greg Forristall leading the pledge of allegiance. Even though the former Speaker of the House needs no introduction, Trula Jamison, President of the Nebraska Federation of Republican Women was given the honor.

The Iowa Federation of Republican Women banner was prominently displayed directly behind the former Speaker as he gave his presentation. The banner was to remind everyone that this event was planned and hosted by the Federation of Republican Women ! Combined attendance for the private reception and public book signing was over 200. We were fortunate to have representatives from the Associated Press, The Omaha World Herald, the Council Bluffs Nonpareil, and the local affiliate of Fox and ABC networks.The Speaker was so impressed with this event that he will not hesitate to work with the Federation on future projects.

The Former Speaker of the House was warmly received however members of the audience thought his presentation on his latest novel was much too brief, But I guess that is a good thing to always leave the audience wanting more. He then accepted questions from the crowd and graciously answered each one. Most questions pertained to his novels. In response to his stand on Homeland Security he delighted everyone when he quoted FDR's famous line of "when you are sitting by a rattle snake poised to strike, you do not wait until he has struck before you crush him".

The Former Speaker shook hands and posed for photographs with everyone who asked. Newt signed copies of his book Pearl Harbor and any number of other items including the invitations to the event for attendees. He also signed several dozen copies of Pearl Harbor which will be for sale at the Barnes and Noble in Council Bluffs and Des Moines, if you hurry you might be able to pick up your own autographed copy.

Members of the Boy Scout troop from Treynor distributed copies of the Constitution and quizzed guests with questions pertaining to our liberties as part of the nation-wide Liberty Day program.

Thanks to Danette for the report. Providing first hand information about these events is an important part of what we do here at The Real Sporer, and it wouldn't be possible without our correspondents. Danette will do a great job as President over the next term so congratulations to her and the Fifth District Women on a great event!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Nice coverage from the Western part of the state. We have some pretty good events over here and they don't get much coverage out of the area.

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