Lincoln Day Dinner planned at SIC Foundation Building

Saline County's Republican Party Chairman Bob Holmes is trying to get every Republican in Saline County to the annual Lincoln Day Dinner 7 p.m. Saturday night with doors opening at 6 p.m.

He has booked as the keynote speaker Dan Proft, a talk-show personality from WLS radio, Chicago. Proft was also a 2011 Illinois gubernatorial candidate.

In addition, Holmes has contacted every candidate running locally and statewide in the March 18 primary election.

Local candidates who will speak are Kim Buchanan, County Clerk and Recorder; Danny Ragan, County Treasurer; Sarah Wallace, County Treasurer candidate; Mike Gribble, candidate for County Sheriff. The field for four-year seats on the county board contains seven Republican candidates for six seats. The candidates are: Jeffrey Murrie, Karla Carrigan, Rodney D. Wallace, Joe Jackson, Carey Harbison, Trina Irwin and John Prather. Republican candidates for the two unexpired county board seats are: Jose Durbin, Allan Porter and Jeff Street.

Statewide candidates will be represented by surrogate speakers.

The candidates sending a speaker are: Jim Oberweis and Douglas Truax for U.S. Senate. U.S. Representative John Shimkus, up for reelection. For Illinois Governor Bill Brady, Dan Rutherford, Kirk Dillard and Bruce Rauner will be represented. Jil Tracy, candidate for Lt. Governor on the Dillard ticket will speak for Dillard. Speakers will represent candidates Tom Cross and Bob Grogan for State Treasurer.

Holmes said the dinner will consist of fried chicken, pork, three side dishes and tea and coffee.