Former Missouri Gov. Ashcroft to speak at Lincoln Days

Former governor and United States Attorney General John Ashcroft addresses attendees at a Boy Scouts breakfast in 2016.
Former governor and United States Attorney General John Ashcroft addresses attendees at a Boy Scouts breakfast in 2016.

John D. Ashcroft is scheduled to be the keynote speaker Monday at this year's Lincoln Days.

Lincoln Days is an annual fundraiser of the Cole County Republican Central Committee. Funds from the event support the party's Cole County candidates in the November general election, as we well as Central Missouri Honor Flight and Operation Bugle Boy's dinner for veterans.

Ashcroft was born in Chicago but was raised in Springfield, Missouri. He went on to serve as Missouri's auditor from 1973-75, attorney general from 1976-85 and governor from 1985-93.

He was elected as a Republican U.S. senator for Missouri in 1994 and served until 2001, when he became the U.S. attorney general under President George W. Bush from 2001-05.

Son John R. "Jay" Ashcroft is currently the Missouri secretary of state.

The elder Ashcroft has gone on to serve as a professor in the law and government schools at Regent University in Virginia, as well as the founder and chairman of The Ashcroft Group consulting company and The Ashcroft Law Firm.

Gov. Mike Parson, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer and other statewide elected officials will also give comments Monday, Cole County Republic Central Committee member Carolyn McDowell said.

The night at Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City will feature a dinner and auction. A social starts at 5 p.m., and dinner is set for 6 p.m.

McDowell expects the night will wrap up by 9-9:30 p.m.

Tickets cost $40 in advance or $50 at the door and are open for purchase by anyone.

People who call ahead and order tickets don't have to pay until they pick them up, McDowell said.

Tickets can be ordered by phone at 573-635-6634, 573-680-3231 or 573-694-0291.

Auction items will include Kansas City Chiefs memorabilia, a couple derby-type chocolate pies and books by Purple Heart recipients, McDowell said.