Bush, Liz Cheney To Speak At Hunters Convention

Announcement for the George W. Bush speech at the Safari Club International Annual Hunters' Convention.
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After staring down terrorists for eight years, former President George W. Bush is taking on a new challenge: a speaking gig at the Safari Club International Annual Hunters’ Convention in Reno, Nevada.

But wait, there’s more! In addition to listening to Bush speak, conference attendees will also be able to attend a variety of hunting-related seminars such as: “Proper Boots — Proper Care,” “Through the Eyes of a Young Hunter,” “Wild Game & Wine Pairing,” and “Shotgun Chokes: How they Work,” just to name a few.

Bush will deliver the keynote address on Saturday, January 23, the final night of the four-day convention. Though it’s unclear what he’ll talk about (WMD’s in Iraq, maybe?), the convention’s Web site boasts: “His intellect and humor will make this a night to remember and share for years and years.” The former leader of the free world will be joined by such top-notch acts as comedian Frank Caliendo, Three Dog Night, the Bellamy Brothers, a country music group, Dennis Miller, and a Beach Boys cover band, “Papa Doo Run Run.”

The Safari Club, which is closely associated with Republicans and gives millions to GOP candidates and causes, bills itself as an organization dedicated to “the freedom to hunt through policy advocacy, litigation and education for federal and state legislators to ensure hunting is protected for future generations.” The group has spent close to $300 million on wildlife and hunting-related causes since it’s founding in 1979, according to their Web site.

Liz Cheney, the daughter of Vice President Dick Cheney, will also speak at this convention, a move that will definitely burnish her conservative creds. SCI-PAC has a history as a Republican-friendly group. In 2004, it spent $339,431, with 89% going to Republican candidates; in 2006, it spent $527,714, with 86% going to Republicans; and in 2008, it spent $766,295, with 76% going to Republicans.

This will probably be a fun event, as SCI knows how to do it up right. Back in June 2006, Safari Club International held a charity auction, presided over by special guest auctioneer Tom DeLay, the former House Republican leader and later a guest on Dancing With The Stars. As auctioneer, the staunch social conservative DeLay engaged in wordplay surrounding the animal vest that was being sold: “Who wants a beaver?” DeLay said, also adding: “Everybody likes beaver, even women.”

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