By Kevin Lavery, KWMU
St. Louis – Missouri Republicans worked to solidify their election year message this weekend. The party hosting its annual "Lincoln Days" event in St. Louis, a time for Republican leaders, activists and candidates to discuss their platform.
Missouri is key to President Bush's reelection campaign.
Despite Massachusetts senator John Kerry's resounding victory in the state's Democratic primary this week, Republican National Committee co-chair Ann Wagner says she's not worried about the president's chances.
"So we think that come November, if in fact John Kerry is the candidate - and that's not a done deal yet - there will be a very bright line clear choice between the strong and principled leadership of George W. Bush and someone like John Kerry."
Vice-president Dick Cheney spoke at the party's event Saturday. He defended the war in Iraq and touted the U.S. economy.
The Vice President said that the evidence indicates that Saddam Hussein had the intent to use weapons of mass destruction, even though inspectors have not found any massive stockpiles.
Cheney also said American forces had found delivery systems for ballistic missiles in Iraq.
The Missouri crowd of about 800 rose to its feet with applause when Cheney declared "There is no question that America did the right thing in Iraq."