Republicans hold Lincoln Day dinner

MUNDY TOWNSHIP (WJRT) -- (01/11/08)--The Michigan primary was the focus of an event Friday night in Mundy Township. That's where the Genesee County Republican party held its annual Lincoln Day dinner.

There was support for all the Republican presidential candidates on the ballot. No one made an appearance, but one candidate had someone here in his place.

You may not recognize his name or face, but he's quite popular in Minnesota.

When the state pushed up the date of the Michigan primary, the Genesee County Republican party also forged ahead.

Its annual Lincoln Day dinner, usually in February, was held instead four days before the primary.

"We have many candidates that are running for office as president and we need to support all of them at this point," said Vickie Sturgess.

That's what Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty has done from the start.

"There are many good people in the race, but there's one great person in the race and that's John McCain," Pawlenty said.

The Republican endorsed Sen. John McCain more than a year ago. Now he's in Michigan showing his support.

"I'm just here as a volunteer trying to pitch in and help my candidate, and if I can add another few votes here and there in what might be a close race, I hope it makes a difference," Pawlenty said.

And some believe Michigan will be a key state in the Republican race for the White House.

"I think Michigan is going to take a leadership role in determining who our nominee here is as a Republican and who the next president will be," said Rep. Dave Robertson (D-Grand Blanc).

"I think it's an exciting time to be a Republican in Genesee County and the state of Michigan."

The days leading to the primary promise to be exciting in Genesee County with scheduled visits from candidates Mitt Romney and McCain.

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