Holden to address county Democrats

Missouri Gov. Bob Holden will be in Cape Girardeau Saturday to give the keynote address at the annual Cape Girardeau County Central Democratic Committee Fall Festival.

Holden is expected to address about 160 men and women about the state of the state, including the status of the budget and costs incurred from increased statewide security since the attacks on Sept. 11, said Tom Neumeyer, chairman of the Central Committee.

"We are very fortunate to have Governor Holden take time out of his schedule to come speak to us," Neumeyer said.

The festival, which will be held in the University Center at Southeast Missouri State University, is a political rally and a fund-raising event for the committee.

The evening will begin with a social hour at 6 p.m., followed by a dinner and the keynote address. It will end with an auction.

"We've had a variety of goods and services donated by local merchants," Neumeyer said, "including bed and breakfast stays, Americana and a silver bracelet."

Money raised from the dinner and auction will go toward helping local Democratic candidates in next year's elections.

Former Missouri Secretary of State Bekki Cook will also attend the festival and serve as the master of ceremonies.

hkronmueller@semissourian.com

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