Residents can add another event to the jam-packed weekend of the eclipse. The 8th Congressional Republican District will conduct its convention at 10 a.m. April 6 at the Rodgers Theatre.
The 150 delegates from 28 counties in the district chosen during the March 2 caucus will elect three individuals and three alternates to the National Republican Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Chairman of the 8th Congressional Republican Committee Eddy Justice elaborated, “Just because delegates support the former president, it is not a guarantee that who is nominated gets picked to travel to the national convention.”
The delegates will also elect a member of the electoral college for the 2024 general presidential election and discuss the party platform.
Issues up for discussion include medical mandates, election accuracy, constitutional rights of college students and international political contributions. The convention will vote on amendments and make recommendations to the state Republican party.
The event is free and open to the public. Justice anticipates a large crowd of between 400-500 people. In addition to the 150 delegates, 150 alternates are invited along with friends and family.
Justice listed Rep. Jason Smith, state senators Jason Bean and Holly Thompson Rehder, and State Rep. Hardy Billington as special speakers.
“It’s going to be quite the pep rally environment,” Justice described, and is excited to use the large screen in the theater’s main auditorium.
The party is spending $5,000 on the event. Justice has been making preparations for the convention for six months, his third time doing so.
“I’m just glad we get to host this event in Poplar Bluff,” he explained.
Justice hopes the gathering will positively impact the local economy by bringing visitors from all over Southern Missouri. The three delegates chosen will participate in the Republican National Convention on July 15.