Crowds will gather and cameras will flash because a celebrity is visiting MHS—well, a political celebrity. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. tonight, Congressman Todd Akin plans to speak in the Theatre.
Republican Akin represents the Rockwood area, as well as other cities including O’Fallon, St. Charles and Troy. Missouri’s 2nd District elected Rep. Akin to Congress in 2000. There, Rep. Akin serves on three committees: Armed Services, Science and Technology and Budget. Rep. Akin is also the Chairman of the Armed Services Subcommittee.
“Congressman Akin enjoys speaking to people interested in the legislative process,” Steve Taylor, press secretary to Rep. Akin, said.
Rep. Akin will first give a brief introduction, then interact with the audience, focusing on his view of American history, the unique nature of the country, and the challenges the nation faces today.
“Congressman Akin will share a behind-the-scenes-look at what happens in government to increase community awareness,” Taylor said. “Students are an important part of this. Democracy is a two-way street.”
Young Conservatives Club will host the event. Junior Lynn Johnston, vice-president, helped set up the speech with Rep. Akin’s secretary. Both Johnston and Rep. Akin attend Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church.
“My mom called his wife and told her about Young Conservatives Club,” Johnston said. “We put in a formal request for his presence and we’re all looking forward to the address.”
Johnston emphasized the speech is not a debate or town hall meeting, but more of a chance to ask questions and personally meet Rep. Akin.
“We welcome people of all political denominations,” Johnston said. “But we urge students and parents to remain respectful.”
The club meets twice a month and converses about conservative ideology and the reasoning behind such political thinking.
“There are great variances within conservatism,” Junior Rebecca Robinson, Young Conservatives Club president, said. “We try to figure out the why behind political philosophy. We don’t try to indoctrinate people.”
Ruth Bontrager, math teacher, is the sponsor of Young Conservatives Club. Bontrager estimates more than 100 people will attend the event, with the maximum capacity at 600 people. Bontrager said she hopes to raise awareness of national issues and create some interest in the club.
Although Young Conservatives Club is not selling tickets to the speech, Bontrager urges all students and parents to RSVP by emailing her at [email protected] so it can be ensured everyone wanting to sit in and listen has the opportunity to do so.