EMERSON, WEBSTER WILL ATTEND RALLY AT BLUFF

POPLAR BLUFF -- U.S Rep. Bill Emerson, R-Cape Girardeau, and Attorney General Bill Webster are among confirmed guests of honor who will speak March 7 at the annual Lincoln Day rally sponsored by the Butler County Young Republicans and the Republican Central Committee.

Emerson is seeking re-election to Congress. Webster has declared his candidacy for governor.

Will Smith of the Young Republicans, who is co-chairing the event with Bill Foster of the Republican Central Committee, said the group is awaiting confirmation from U.S. Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond to attend as the keynote speaker. If Bond is unable to attend, Emerson will step in, he said.

Other Republicans seeking election on the state or federal level will be asked to speak.

The dinner will be a ham and roast beef buffet at the Elks Lodge beginning at 7 p.m. Prior to that, a reception for Golden Sponsors will be held at the Ledgerock Room at the Holiday Inn.

Tickets are now on sale. Golden Sponsor tickets cost $75 per plate or $125 per couple. Lincoln Day dinner tickets are selling for $15 per plate or $30 per couple.

Interested persons may buy tickets from Robbie Myers, 785-8855; Smith, 785-4629; Steve Shook, 785-6800 or Bill Foster, 785-1484 or from any member of the Republican Central Committee.