Mrs. Palin Goes to Washington....Illinois

- By Whitney
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It's not everyday that you have opportunity to go with your personal heroine to hear your political heroine speak, but Saturday, April 17th was such an opportunity for me, as my mom and I attended Governor Palin's speech in Washington, IL. If I were to say one thing, I would say it was definitely a barn burner of a speech, and in central Illinois, there are a heck of a lot of barns to burn!

To give context to the speech, it took place in Washington, Illinois, a small town of about 13,000 people in central Illinois just outside of Peoria. The town of Eureka, home of Reagan's alma mater, Eureka College, is just a short 10-15 minutes from Washington. The event was a fundraiser for Five Points Washington, the town's community center. Some of the funds raised were also to be used for a scholarship program as well. During the question and answer session following the speech, the Governor mentioned that she chose to speak at this event because she knows what a blessing such community centers bring to a town, referencing the sports complex built in Wasilla when she was mayor.

The topic of the speech was " You Don't Need a Title to Make a Difference" and was the inaugural speech in a series on Lessons from Leaders. In her own signature style, the Governor effectively wove this topic into the speech also highlighting her political platform, record, and worldview, all while truly making the speech applicable and personal to central Illinoisans. She brought up at least three examples of people who made and are making a difference without a title. She began her speech speaking of Trig, who is turning 2 years old today. She spoke of how he may never hold a title, but he wakes up everyday in applause, bringing perspective and joy to those around him. She also spoke of how Reagan saved 77 lives when he worked as a lifeguard on the Rock River in Illinois when he was young, before he had a "title". She had the words "Lifeguards Needed" written on her palm. She also spoke of how we, as Americans, can make a difference without a title through our voice, our vote, and our freedom.

Regarding leadership, she spoke specifically of three former Presidents: Washington, Lincoln, and Reagan. She spoke about Washington's leadership--how true leaders respect the will and wisdom of the people and often were reluctant leaders who did not seek office, but the office sought them. She spoke of Lincoln's use of his stovepipe hat as a "traveling office" and how if it was good enough for Lincoln to store his notes in his hat, it was good enough for her to use her palm for her notes. She spoke quite a bit about Reagan, calling him a "son of Illinois". She spoke of his politics of both personality and conviction when it came to foreign policy, saying also that America needs his "Midwestern common sense" and "relentless optimism". Governor Palin, in a jab at President Obama, spoke of how a Eureka educated politician plays better in Peoria than a Harvard educated politician. At one point she stated during the speech that the next Lincoln or Reagan may be sitting in the audience. In my head, I thought, "the next Reagan is standing behind the podium!"

On a local level, Governor Palin praised central Illinois for being people who "cling to guns and religion" and who understand what she meant when she says, "don't retreat, reload". Politically, she spoke of how Obama's policies are affecting the region. The construction machine company, Caterpillar, is based out of nearby Peoria and employs quite a few people in the area. Governor Palin spoke of how President Obama came to Peoria last year claiming that the stimulus package would prevent Caterpillar workers from being laid off, which was not the case. She spoke of how the "economically illiterate" health care bill will cost the company $100 million in the first year alone.

More broadly, she spoke of the problems of a quadrupled national deficit, a $3.8 trillion budget, and the "mother of all unfunded mandates": the health care reform bill. Governor Palin criticized the President for bowing to world leaders and alienating allies like Israel.During the question and answer session, she mentioned that the President's comments about America being a military superpower, whether we like it or not was the statement that had taken her most aback of anything during President Obama's administration. However, her political rhetoric was not limited to criticisms, but included a great deal of what she called "time tested" solutions. She spoke of how prosperity cannot be legislated from Washington D.C., but must be earned through hard work ethic and by government getting out of the way. Additionally, she mentioned that more every day people, not politicians, are needed in government.

In sharing such solutions, she was very effective in tying in her record as governor and mayor , highlighting several of the examples that she mentioned in Going Rogue. Specifically, she mentioned how she lowered taxes and improved infrastructure as mayor as part of a pro-business, pro-economic growth strategy. She mentioned the main principles by which she governed Alaska. Government must live within its means. Resource development must be expanded. Money must be saved for the future, and earmarks must be slashed. During the question and answer session, Governor Palin spoke of how important it is that politicians realize that they are spending OPM (other people's money), and she highlighted that she fired the personal chef and the sold of the jet.

The Governor has an amazing way of connecting with the people with whom she is speaking. After the speech, my mom said, "it was like you were listening to your best friend. She talks to you, not at you." I concur with this statement whole heartedly. Governor Palin spoke with such conviction, sincerity and optimism. I was also struck by how often she used the word "blessed". She seems to see every opportunity and experience as a blessing. I was amazed how focused and personal she made it for the audience she was speaking to by pulling in Reagan's ties to the area and the effects of the Obama administration on a large local employer. It truly was a blessing beyond words to hear America's point guard speak with such optimism and conviction.

So, this begs the age old question. Does Governor Palin play in Peoria? You betcha!

To see more pictures, albeit not high quality, see here.

- WTP

- Special guest blogger Whitney is editor of The LOTUS and is a contributor to The Palination and the Palin Twibe blog.

PJ Star Video: Sarah Palin awarded key to the city of Washington, Illinois

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At the Five Points Washington event over the weekend, Sarah Palin was presented with the key to the city of Washington, Illinois:



- JP

Sarah Palin: Country needs dose of 'Midwestern Common Sense'

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Sarah Palin told a crowd of 1,100 in central Illinois Saturday that what unites Americans is stronger than what divides them. The former Alaska governor and 2008 GOP vice presidential candidate cited a strong work ethic, security and a government that allows people to live how they choose as uniting factors, and she encouraged Americans to unite to get the nation's troubled economy back on track. Gov. Palin's address was the inaugural speech last night in Five Points Washington's "Lessons From Leaders" speakers series:

Palin commented on the Land of Lincoln having a "most diverse political scene" and referenced the "Will it play in Peoria?" cliche.

"Nobody here is ordinary. ... Much of the eyes of America are on this part of our nation because this is a representation of good, hard-working, grounded, unpretentious, patriotic Americans," she said.

One of those people, Palin said, is former President Ronald Reagan, a Eureka College graduate, who believed in limited government in order to expand opportunity and prosperity. Reagan was a Midwestern boy who understood the importance of work ethic, not entitlement, she said.

"We need a dose of that Midwestern common sense now more than ever," Palin said.

[...]

Palin took several jabs at President Barack Obama's Harvard Law School education. She said the U.S. is on pace to quadruple the deficit, called the federal health care bill "Obama-care" and the "mother of all unfunded mandates," and chastised Congress for what she called "bullying" of Peoria-based Caterpillar Inc.

"Washington's idea is to tax and borrow and spend our way out of big problems," Palin said, adding both Republicans and Democrats are to blame. "We're sticking our kids with the bill. I think that is immoral."

Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis said Palin hit on points resonating throughout the country "like getting the government under control and getting taxes under control and having people get the government back."

Leadership is speaking out, sticking up for your beliefs, getting involved and contributing to the community. "We want leadership that offers common sense principles and offers common sense solutions," she said.

A sold-out crowd of 1,100 people turned out for Palin's speech, titled "You Don't Need a Title to Make a Difference." Audience members submitted questions for possible inclusion in a question-and-answer session after the speech.

Said U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock, R-Peoria: "She's definitely got a role in shaping American politics and American policy, and when she speaks, people listen.

"I thought she gave a very inspiring speech about some of the challenges she went through in her own life as mayor of Wasilla and governor of Alaska and as a candidate for the vice presidency of the United States," he added.

John Morris, who is director of development for the Ronald W. Reagan Leadership Program and Reagan Museum at Eureka College, said Gov. Palin's remarks about the 40th president's alma mater were "thrilling," because she is a potential Republican candidate for president in 2012:

"Eureka College is a national living legacy to this story that in America you can come from anywhere and with the right values you can go on to help change the world. Eureka College is the living legacy to the story of Ronald Reagan," Morris said.

This is a re-write for the Peoria Journal-Star's Sunday edition of the incomplete story karen McDonald filed late last night. The Sunday PJStar also has a companion article by Steve Stein focusing on local reaction to Gov. Palin's speech.

Illinois Review relays RNC Committeewoman for Illinois Demetra DeMonte's post-event thoughts:

"I just returned from an amazing evening in Washington Illinois. Sarah Palin’s optimism - her belief in the goodness and wisdom of the American people - mesmerized an audience with the message that the American dream is still alive – and that it is up to us to ensure that it remains alive. Although speaking in an positive tone Sarah did not avoid talking about the serious problems confronting us today. She particularly sited the deficit and national security as the most compelling issues of our time."

"She called upon on all of us to hold our elected officials accountable on election day and to do what is necessary to preserve our freedom and the American way of life we cherish , not only for us but for our children and grandchildren."

- JP

First reports: Gov. Palin's speech played well in Peoria

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Marc Strauss of News Center 9/25 in Peoria reported that a crowd of 1,100 turned out for the Saturday evening event at Five Points in Washington:

Ron and Hazel Dyar came to see Palin speak after she personally replied to a letter they'd sent her.

"We're so proud of it and we have shown this note to many, many people. They just think this is awesome," bragged Mrs. Dyar.

Palin's husband, Todd, accompanied her. And after receiving the key to the city the former governor of Alaska explained why Central Illinois is a key to the nation's future.

"A lot of the eyes of America are on this area looking at what it is that you're doing right," Palin told the crowd from the podium. "Perhaps it will help other communities emulate those things that have been successful here. It is such an honor for me to get to be here. I so appreciate the key to the city."

Palin's message while speaking at Five Points was entitled "You Don't Need A Title To Make A Difference".

[...]

"We cut the waiting list off at 200. And that was in the first 24 hours," said Cheryl West, who helped organize Palin's appearance.

The Peoria Journal-Star's Karen McDonald filed her story when Sarah Palin completed her keynote address around 9:30 p.m. after speaking for about an hour:

"So much of the eyes of America are on Peoria and this central region because it is kind of a melting pot of America and there's a great diversity here and an opportunity to disagree without being disagreeable in order to get the best policies, the best ideas implemented," Palin said during the banquet.

[...]

Tickets to the sold out event were $75 to $100 for the speech only, $200 for the banquet and speech and $2,500 for a private reception limited to 50 people. Though officials did not release what Palin was paid for the speaking engagement, POLITICO.com reports she is paid $100,000 per speaking engagement.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Five Points capital projects fund and provide scholarships for area students.

"They're raising a boatload of money for the Washington Community Center Foundation, which is a positive thing for this community," U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock, R-Peoria, said at the banquet. "And kudos to the Board for being smart enough to bring someone like Sarah who's extremely popular with a segment of the community who are willing to buy tickets and donate to this cause."

The reporter filed this obviously hurried story before the question-and-answer session began., but promised more detailed coverage Sunday. The Washington Examiner has the Associated Press story here. More from Illinois Review here.

- JP

All tickets sold for Sarah Palin at Five Points tonight

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Sarah Palin will speak on the importance of personal engagement and leadership at Five Points Washington tonight near Peoria, Illinois at 7 PM CDST:

She will appear as part of the "Lessons from Leaders: A Series of Contemporary Speakers." Palin will also participate in a question and answer session at the end of her remarks at the Caterpiller Performing Arts Cent.

Proceeds from the event will be used for the Washington Area Community Center capital fund and to create new scholarships for area youth.

As is the case with most Palin appearances, both the banquet and separate seating for the event have been sold out and the waiting list was filled.

Will it play in Peoria? You betcha!

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Up until now, members of the media have only been allowed into Sarah Palin speaking events if they purchased a ticket. But at Five Points Washington's "Lessons from Leaders" banquet April 17 in the Peoria, Illinois area, that policy has changed, according to the Journal Star's "Word on the Street" column:

"Due to several requests that we have received, we have arranged for the local media to attend the April 17, 2010, Lessons From Leaders with Governor Sarah Palin," read an invitation we received last week.

That said, space is limited. West said not all local media outlets are being allowed.

"Media asked if there was any way we could help them out. I said I would have to think about it and figure out how and if we could do something," West said. "This is not a political thing. This is a private function. We're trying our best to accommodate a few media, but we are space limited."

All tickets quickly sold out. The 400 banquet/speech tickets - at $200 each - sold out less than 24 hours after Palin's appearance was announced. Speech-only tickets sold for $100 on the main floor and $75 for the balcony in the 1,000-seat Caterpillar Performing Arts Center.

Whether the policy change is a singular exception only for the Peoria event remains to be seen, but we suspect so. The policy of requiring the media to purchase tickets just like everyone else is, we believe, part of the Washington Speakers Bureau contract language for appearances by Gov. Palin.

- JP

Playing in Peoria: How Five Points Signed Sarah

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It's tough for organizations which are not well known nationally to get the attention of star attractions, much less convince them to lend their faces, names and fame to an event the group is sponsoring. Had Washington, Illinois Mayor Gary Manier and representatives from Five Points not taken a tour of the Ronald Reagan Museum at Eureka College, the stars may not have aligned, and perhaps they never would have found themselves in a position to attract Sarah Palin to speak as part of their "Lessons from Leaders" series on April 17:

Sherril West, president of the Five Points board of directors, said before meeting with former Peoria City Councilman John Morris - now the director of development for the Ronald W. Reagan Leadership Program and the Ronald Reagan Museum - letter writing to the stars asking them to speak in Washington was unsuccessful.

Morris, though, was able to forward the Five Points group to the right connections with speaker bureaus. These are similar to groups used to lure former Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev to Eureka College for an appearance last year.

West said a phone call was made to one of the bureaus that, ironically on the same day, agreed to represent Palin.

"We were one of the first in line," West said.

Following Five Points' submission of a lengthy application, Palin's group announced she was coming.

More of the story behind Gov. Palin's speech in Illinois here.

- JP

My, that didn't take long...

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The Peoria Journal Star's Steve Stein reports:

Want to buy a ticket to hear Sarah Palin’s speech April 17 at Five Points Washington? Sorry. The event is sold out.

Five Points Special Events Manager Brian Garnant said all 400 banquet/speech tickets were gone by 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, less than 24 hours after Palin’s appearance was announced.

About 560 speech-only tickets went on sale at noon Tuesday; all were sold by 2:10 p.m.

No wonder the unofficial Sarah Palin Events Calendar is filling up so quickly...

- JP

Gov. Palin to speak in central Illinois in April

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The Peoria Journal Star is reporting that Sarah Palin will make an appearance in central Illinois in April:

Palin will be the first speaker at Five Points Washington's new Lessons from Leaders speaker series. She will give the keynote address at the April 17 event.

Sherril West, president of the board of directors that operates Five Points, announced Palin’s appearance and the launch of the series Monday at a news conference.

Palin’s speech topic is “You Don’t Need a Title To Make a Difference.”

The former governor's speech is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. talk in the Caterpillar Performing Arts Center in Washington, IL. She will also be the guest of honor at a 7 p.m. banquet and private reception prior to the banquet at Five Points.

Ticket prices start at $75 and range up to $200. For more information, call 444-8423 or visit the Five Points Washington website.

- JP