A national spokesman for gun-owners' rights will be in Schoharie County on Wednesday, May 8.
Tom King, president of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association and an advocate for the National Rifle Association, will be the main speaker at the Republican Party's Lincoln Day Dinner.
The 66th annual dinner will be at the Caverns Palace in Howes Cave, with cocktails at 5:30pm and dinner and the program at 6.
GOP literature describes Mr. King as "an experienced lobbyist, political consultant and medial spokesman/debater" and as a "vigorous, no compromise advocate for the right to keep and bear arms."
He's spoken on national news and commentary programs and on National Public Radio.
"I've heard him, and he's good," Republican Chairman Lew Wilson said. "He's direct and to the point and generates a lot of questions."
Mr. King "regularly confronts anti-gunners," according to the Republican news release. He supports shooting programs for women and teens and helped to overturn a state ban on training pistol marksmanship for 14-to-21-year-olds.
Mr. King has also organized many gun-owners to attend rallies.
The Lincoln Day Dinner is generally attended by Republicans only. This year, Mr. Wilson is encouraging others to attend, too.
"Democrats, Republicans, people interested in law enforcement, anybody," Mr. Wilson said. "Everyone is welcome."
Also expected to attend are Congressman Chris Gibson, state Senator Jim Seward, Assemblyman Pete Lopez and state Republican Committee Chairman Edward Cox.
For tickets or reservations, contact Mr. Wilson at 234-2534 or lisa@firemarkins.com.