LOGANSPORT — Celebrating the 100th annual Lincoln Day Dinner Friday night, the Cass County Republican Central Committee focused on history, not only on the dinners it has held in the past but also the history of the president for which the dinner is named.
Indiana State Treasurer and historical enthusiast Richard Mourdock gave the keynote speech for the evening on the political unrest Abraham Lincoln endured during his presidency. His remarks alluded to similar discontent surrounding the sitting president and he urged the Cass County Republicans to continue in their support for the party members.
“We now live in a uniquely difficult moment,” he said in his speech. “... There are people that are saying ‘It isn’t worth it,’ but if we aren’t willing to do something, who will?”
Speaking to a few hundred people at the dinner, the longest consecutive Lincoln Day Dinner in the country, Mourdock spoke of how Lincoln was a long-shot even to win the party’s nomination and how his election with just 40 percent of the vote only strengthened the doubts of the citizens during one of the most tumultuous times in the country’s history.
Mourdock made a particular point of discussing the riots that broke out in New York City in July 1863 after Lincoln instated a draft to reinforce the military after the massive losses of Northern troops at Gettysburg.
“Throughout the long history of mankind, there have been thousands of battles and hundreds of wars ... but until that moment, there had never been a great army put onto the field to win someone else’s freedom,” said Mourdock.
Though the notion was unpopular at the time, Mourdock discussed the significance it has had on the country’s military campaigns ever since.
In rounding out his remarks, Mourdock made reference to the unpopularity of President George W. Bush has dealt with over the United State’s dealings in Iraq.
“Congress thinks that we’re doing things that are unprecedented, but now you know that there is a precedence,” Mourdock said.
Before Mourdock took the lectern, former Cass County Republican Chairman Don Heckard opened the presentation with a brief history of the event’s 100-year history, mentioning some of the distinguished guest speakers and noting some of the high points for Cass County Republicans through the years.
But the night wasn’t all about history. Joyce Smith, the Second District Republican chairman, introduced congressional hopeful Luke Puckett who spoke enthusiastically about the chance to challenge Democratic incumbent Joe Donnelly.
“Change is on its way,” Puckett said.
Carla Knapp can be contacted at (574) 732-5150 or via e-mail at carla.knapp@pharostribune.com
Local News
Republicans reflect on party history
<b>Mourdock gives speech at 100th annual Lincoln Day Dinner</b>
- Local News
-
-
No jail for driver in fatal hit-and-run
A 25-year-old Logansport man admitted Thursday to leaving the scene of a deadly wreck last year, but he will not serve any time in jail as the result of a plea agreement.
-
Board backs 51 percent spike in utility rates
For Paul Hartman, the issue facing the Logansport Stormwater Management Board is pretty simple.
-
13-foot statue celebrating arts to stand in Logan
Logan’s Landing danced a little closer Thursday to sprucing up the downtown area and crafting the arts and design district it’s been longing to create.
-
Stormwater board OKs rate increase
The Logansport Stormwater Management Board this morning approved a 51 percent increase in its monthly rates.
-
LHS senior prank
As a senior prank, Logansport High School students moved the cow from in front of Happy Burger West to the Berry Bowl this morning. It was all in good fun, though. Bob Shanks, the owner of Happy Burger, was even on hand to pose for pictures.
-
‘It’s not about you’: Local mom shares journey of adopting foster children
Foster parenting isn’t always easy, says Juanita Jackson. Between caseworker visits and baby-sitting restrictions, the 42-year-old balances work and caring for five children as a single mom.
-
Longtime Lewis Cass teacher fired over license
Notwithstanding the impassioned pleas on Scott Rouch’s behalf, the Southeastern school board unanimously voted to cancel his teaching contract for “neglect of duty and other just causes.”
-
Jeremy Franklin charged with two felonies
A special prosecutor this week filed three charges, including two felony counts, against the son of the Logansport mayor.
-
Logan multiplex still in the works
Plans for a multiplex in Logansport are still in the works, but at least one city official hoped the process would move a bit quicker.
-
Ambulances moving: Hospital says change will save $200,000
Rural/Metro, Cass County’s newest ambulance service, told Logansport Memorial Hospital that it plans to move out of the ambulance garage at the end of its lease in September.
- More Local News Headlines
-
No jail for driver in fatal hit-and-run
Police: Gunman Has Hostages in Realty Office
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
Neighbors of Etan Patz's Suspect: It's Shocking
Gulf Fishermen Reel From Seafood Troubles
Stuntman Makes Skydive Without Parachute in UK
Raw Video: Bride Who Faked Cancer Released
Raw Video: Passed Out Man Robbed
