The annual Wright County Picnic, and I Love America Rally, is Saturday, July 31, at Alumni Park in Mountain Grove, and will feature State GOP Republican Party Executive Director Lloyd Smith as main speaker. Everyone is invited to attend, meet the candidates and enjoy an evening of fellowship.
Smith has been compared to well-known strategist Carl Rove due to his skillful guidance in a number of campaigns. He was the longtime chief of staff to Representative Bill Emerson and Jo Ann Emerson. While serving in this capacity, Lloyd helped turn Southeast Missouri into the Republican stronghold that it is today.
In 1980 there were no Republican State Senators, and only one Republican member of the state House from that area of the state—–now the GOP controls 14 seats in the state House, and six of the seven seats in the Senate.
Smith also managed Jim Talent’s successful 2002 campaign and served as a senior advisor to George W. Bush’s 2004 campaign and Jim Talent’s 2006 campaign. Smith was persuaded to take the post of Executive Director of the State GOP in 2009 in order to prepare for the 2010 and 2012 elections.
In addition to Smith headlining the picnic, U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson has indicated that she will make the effort to attend. State and local candidates on hand will also be given the opportunity to speak briefly.
The picnic and rally is free to the public.
It is sponsored by T.A.R.G.E.T. (The Association of Republicans Getting Everyone Together) with the support of the Central Committee and Wright County Republican office holders.
T.A.R.G.E.T. members furnish salads and desserts to compliment the meat, drinks and watermelon. Serving will begin at 6:00 p.m.
