Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — The Routt County Republicans' annual Lincoln Day Dinner will feature both GOP gubernatorial candidates.

Former University of Denver president Marc Holtzman and U.S. Rep. Bob Beauprez of Arvada are scheduled to attend the Saturday event in Steamboat Springs. The Lincoln Day Dinner is an annual fundraiser held by the Routt County Republican Party. Proceeds will benefit Republican political campaigns.

In addition to Holtzman and Beauprez, state Sen. Jack Taylor of Steamboat, state Rep. Al White of Winter Park, congressional candidate Scott Tipton and former interim state treasurer Mark Hillman are scheduled to attend.

The keynote speaker will be John Andrews of Centennial, a former president of the state Senate who also is a fellow of the conservative Claremont In----stitute in Denver. Andrews is chairman of Backbone America, a conservative action group; host of a the "Backbone Radio" talk show; and founder of the Independence Institute, a conservative think tank in Golden.

Jennifer Schubert-Akin, chair--woman of the Routt Coun--ty Republicans, said she expects the high profile guest list -- especially Beauprez and Holtzman -- to attract a large crowd to the Old Town Pub.

"It should be a full house," she said. "I think it'll be a great opportunity for people to talk with both (candidates for governor) and to hear them speak right after each other. We're really happy that they're both able to make it."

The dinner will include silent and live auctions, with the live sale auctioneered by former state Sen. Ken Chlouber of Leadville.

"He is just a really entertaining guy," Schubert-Akin said about Chlouber. "He usually has the crowd in stitches."

At previous Lincoln Day Din--ners in Steamboat and across Western Colorado, Chlouber literally has sold the shirt off his back, so much so that it has become a trademark.

"He sold his shirt (in Steam--boat) for something outrageous, like $200," Schubert-Akin said. "Now, we ask him every year to bring a shirt to sell."

County Republicans have big fundraising shoes to fill -- at a fundraising dinner March 18, county Democrats raised $9,800 before expenses. Schubert-Akin said the past two Lincoln Day Dinners have netted about $9,000.

"I'm hoping to do at least that again," she said Tuesday.

Auction items will include pearl earrings from Hofmeister Personal Jewelers, a guided fly fishing trip and gourmet lunch, a case of wine and a wine-and-food gift basket, Schubert-Akin said.

The event begins at 5 p.m. Tickets are $45.

-- To reach Mike Lawrence, call 871-4203 or e-mail mlawrence@steamboatpilot.com