J.C. Watts, one of the leaders in the famous House Republican “Class of ’94,” and today a business leader, CNN commentator, and author, will be the featured speaker at the 32^nd Annual Lincoln Day Gala of the Shelby County Republican Party.  The event will be this Saturday, February 3, at the Holiday Inn, University of Memphis, 3700 Central Ave.

            “Many people say J.C. Watts is the most dynamic speaker in America, and I can’t argue with them,” said, Bill Giannini, Shelby County GOP Chairman. “He’s electrified two Republican National Conventions, and was even selected, as a junior Congressman, to offer the Republican response to President Clinton’s State of the Union.  That’s the same role Fred Thompson played when elected to the Senate, so you know J.C. has got to be great.”

While best known today for his political leadership, Watts first gained national recognition as the quarterback who led the University of Oklahoma to two Orange Bowl victories.  His career path then took him to the Canadian Football League, and to service as a youth minister and associate pastor. When elected to the State Corporation Commission in 1990, he became the first African American to win statewide office in Oklahoma.

After just 4 years as a congressman, Watts was elected by his colleagues in the Republican caucus as Chairman of the House Republican Conference, the group’s fourth highest ranking position.  While Watts declined to seek reelection in 2002, he has continued in his role as a national leader. Today he serves on the boards of Africare, the Boy Scouts of America, and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

In addition to Watts, newly-elected Senator Bob Corker, Congressman Marsha Blackburn, and Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey will be guests at Saturday night’s event.

Tickets to the Lincoln Day celebration are $60 for regular tickets and $100 for VIP tickets, which includes a pre-banquet reception.  Tickets can be purchased on-line at www.shelbygop.org, or reserved by calling 682-3335.

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