By Mark Weyermuller -
There was excitement, enthusiasm, and electricity in the room Wednesday night as Turning Point USA held their annual open house. Members and guests met in the International Room at the Arlington Race Track with about 400 conservatives in attendance.
What is Turning Point USA? Turning Point USA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded on June 5, 2012 by 21 year old Wheeling native Charlie Kirk. The organization’s mission is to identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government.
This event marked the close of Young Women’s Leadership Conference 2015 held this week at the Pheasant Run Convention Center in Saint Charles, Illinois. Attendees heard from an outstanding lineup of women and men that have shared how to boldly stand for their beliefs, push back against leftist rhetoric and promote principles of limited government and capitalism.
Barrington Jeweler and conservative supporter Mike Miller received the Jack Roeser Award for Patriotism from the group. It was presented by Charlie Kirk. Miller has been a major supporter of Turning Point since its beginning in 2012. The late Jack Roeser had substantial influence as a conservative leader and as a friend to many in the room last night. He passed away one year ago this week at the age of 91.
The gala included a variety of speakers including State Rep. Avery Bourne, who happens to be the youngest state legislator in the history of Illinois. She was joined by Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti. Legendary Arlington Race Track owner Richard Duchossois made an appearance and chatted with the guests including myself. I asked him his thoughts on the 2016 presidential race - which I will not disclose and keep off the record. I will say he is optimistic for Illinois' future.
There was no horse racing on the schedule, but Mr. Duchossois asked me to come back for a big weekend of races for Father's Day. A friendly ambassador on the way out told me to come back for the 33rd running of the Arlington Million on August 15, 2015. He also told me about Chicago Blackhawks Day on August 8, 2015. You guessed it, the Stanley Cup will be there.
To close out the evening, former congressman and current talk radio host Joe Walsh brought the crowd to their feet as he asked all the attendees to the conference to join him in the front for a photo.
Watch for these Turning Point USA activists doing real grassroots work across the country. They are becoming known as "community organizers of the right."
Find out more about Turning Point USA on Facebook, Twitter, and their two websites: TURNINGPOINTUSA.NET and BIGGOVERNMENTSUCKS.NET.
