Blaine Luetkemeyer, Republican candidate for the U.S. 9th District Congressional seat on the November ballot, is scheduled as the guest speaker for the Gasconade County Republican Central Committee’s Sept. 6 barbecue and picnic at Owensville’s Memorial Park.

Luetkemeyer is scheduled to speak after the barbecue meal. He and his family have lived in the Ninth Congressional District for five generations. He and his wife of 32 years, Jackie, own and raise cattle on his great-grandfather’s farm in St. Elizabeth, Mo. He also owns Luetkemeyer Insurance Agency and his family owns and operates the Bank of St. Elizabeth. Organizers of the event note Luetkemeyer, as a small business owner, “understands that like farmers, our small businesses and local industries are the backbone of a healthy economy.”

The Luetkemeyer’s have three children (Trevor, Brandy, and Nikki), and one granddaughter, Riley.  He is a native of St. Elizabeth.   

In addition, he has had a wide array of experience in government. As a state representative from 1999 to 2005, Luetkemeyer was appointed chair of the Financial Services Committee. During his tenure, he exercised strict fiscal constraint on legislation that was too quick to waste Missouri’s tax dollars,  earning a reputation with fellow house members of both parties as the fiscal Hawk of the Missouri House of Representatives.

In 2000, he was elected by his colleagues to serve as the House Republican Caucus Chairman. Together with other leaders in the House Republican Caucus, he worked to execute a plan that helped Republicans to take the majority they have been enjoying for the past seven years.

Blaine has a proven track record for strong, conservative values. In 2004, Luetkemeyer co-sponsored the Sanctity of Marriage Amendment, which was approved by 71 percent of Missouri’s voters.  During the six years he served, Republicans passed conceal and carry legislation, a ban on partial birth abortion, and workers’ compensation reform.

Because of his success in the House and his ability to work as a team player, Gov. Matt Blunt appointed Luetkemeyer as the Director of the Missouri Division of Tourism. While serving as director, he helped to improve the state’s economy by increasing the number of tourists in Missouri creating an economic impact of over $30 million while reducing staff in the department.

Among his accomplishments as director, he is known for helping to make the Tour of Missouri the single largest sporting event in Missouri history. The race drew attention from more than a quarter million people and generated more than $27 million in tourism revenue.

He is member of the Knights of Columbus, Eldon Chamber of Commerce, Farm Bureau, National Rifle Association, and St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. He has a degree of distinction in Political Science and a minor in Business Administration from Lincoln University.

Serving is from 5 to 6:30 p.m. under the main pavilion at Memorial Park. Tickets are $8 per person  with children under 6 eating for free. Tickets may be purchased from  committee members and officers  or from Sharon Fennewald, Charlene Klein, Dale Ridder, Myra Schmitt, Bill Sloan, and Olan Stemme or at the park on the day of the picnic.