Senator to raise funds during Dixie Chicks concert

May 7, 2003 |

Sen. Blanche Lincoln is to have a fund-raiser this summer in Washington, D.C., during a concert by the Dixie Chicks.

Lincoln, a Democrat, is running for re-election next year. The concert is set for June 25, and plans for the event were made March 6, Lincoln spokesman Drew Goesl said.

A donor granted the senator use of a skybox at the event at the MCI Center and will host fewer than two dozen supporters during the concert, according to Lincoln's office.

The plans were formalized four days before the country group's lead singer Natalie Maines told a London audience that the group was ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas." Maines was being critical of plans for war with Iraq, but later apologized.

Senator Lincoln does not agree with what the Dixie Chicks said, but does support the right of free speech," Goesl said Tuesday. The senator thought it would be hypocritical to cancel the event after the remarks were made."

Arkansas Republican Party chairman Marty Ryall issued a statement Wednesday saying Lincoln should boycott the Dixie Chicks.

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