Conservatives, independents to unite at annual dinner

YAKIMA, Wash. -- The Lincoln Day Banquet press release from the Yakima County Republican Party makes it quite clear: One needn't be a party insider to be welcome.

The March 27 banquet, an annual rite for the party, is an opportunity "for all Republicans, conservatives, tea party patriots and independents who oppose expanding government control, higher taxes and deficit spending to join together," the release says.

That's not just political rhetoric; it's an acknowledgment that folks like the tea party protesters -- once viewed as political outsiders -- are going to be important to the conservative movement's future, said Matt Manweller, a Central Washington University political science professor and the event's emcee.

"I think there's a conscious effort by Republicans to say, 'You know what, Tea Party, we're with you,'" he said. "We don't want a schism."

U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Pasco, and former gubernatorial candidate and state Sen. Dino Rossi are slated to be guest speakers, although Manweller suggests they may not be the main draw.

"In some respects these guys are very familiar faces," he said. "I think the numbers are going to be more indicative of the motivation and mobilization (of conservatives)."

Rita Hanses, the banquet's organizer and vice chairwoman of the county party, said she expects 200 or so to attend the banquet at $40 a ticket. That's about on par with past years, but the number could rise, along with conservative anger, if President Barack Obama succeeds in passing his health care package between now and then, she said.

"There is going to be quite a residue of anger," Hanses said. "And we would like to have them look to us as a place to come."

In addition to the guest speakers, she believes some of the dozen declared candidates planning to challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Patty Murray this fall will attend the event. Rossi, whom polls have suggested could be Murray's strongest challenger, has not indicated that he will run for that seat.

* Pat Muir can be reached at 509-577-7693 or pmuir@yakimaherald.com.

If you go ...

* What: Yakima County Republican Party Lincoln Day Banquet, featuring Dino Rossi and U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings

* When: 6 p.m. March 27

* Where: Clarion Hotel, 1507 N. First St., Yakima

* Tickets: $40

* Information: Rita Hanses, 509-972-0038