(Jackson) – The Jackson County Republican Party announced today that former Congressman J.C. Watts will be the keynote speaker at the 117th Annual Jackson County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner.

The event will be February 20, 2012, at the Jackson Community College Space Center (2111 Emmons Rd.) with registration beginning at 5:00 p.m. and the dinner starting at 6:00 p.m.

“J.C. Watts is a conservative trailblazer with the experience and knowledge to be a great speaker on many important topics including valuable insights into the 2012 elections,” said Hank Choate, Chairman of the Jackson County Republican Party. “I think that Jackson Republicans will have an enjoyable time listening to Congressman Watts.”

The annual Lincoln Day Dinner is a way for Jackson County Republicans to celebrate the past, present and future of the party, historical figures and build excitement for the upcoming 2012 presidential election.

The event will feature a live auction, legislative updates and presentation of awards given to the Republican of the Year, Volunteer and Couple of the year. The Austin Blair Award will be awarded for the first time to honor outstanding service by elected officials.

The Jackson GOP is also sponsoring an essay contest and winners from the High School and College divisions will be reading their essays at the event and receive a $250 cash prize.

“We continue to build on last year’s successful essay contest and seek submissions from even more high school and college students,” said Marcy Jankovich, the essay contest coordinator. “This is a great way for students to play an active part in the event and to apply the knowledge they have received from their educators.”

Tickets for the Lincoln Day Dinner are $75 per person and are available for purchase on the Jackson County Republican website at www.jacksonrepublicans.com starting Friday, January 27, 2012.

About J.C. Watts

From football hero to his remarkable eight years as one of the most recognizable members of Congress, J.C. Watts is an embodiment of the American dream. An outstanding quarterback who led the University of Oklahoma to two Orange Bowl victories and later committed himself to helping his community as an ordained minister, Watts is admired by many for his integrity and strong leadership. Elected to Congress from his native Oklahoma, fellow congressmen quickly recognized Watts’ leadership qualities and elected him to serve as the chairman of the House Republican Conference, the fourth-highest position in the House. He was honorary co-chairman of the 2000 Republican National Convention and is a passionate voice for boosting national security, adhering to fiscal discipline and investing in education. He is the author of What Color Is Conservative? My Life and My Politics.

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