Cesar Gomez to address GOP club

BRADENTON -- The Women of Manatee County Republican Club will meet Jan. 4 at the Bradenton Country Club, 4646 Ninth Ave. W. Social is set for 11:30 a.m., lunch meeting at noon. The speaker is Cesar Gomez, former executive director of Sarasota-Manatee Latino Chamber of Commerce. Lunch is $17 and a reservation is required by noon Jan. 2. Reservations: Donna at 773-512-9366.

ACLU official to addressLWR Democrats

LAKEWOOD RANCH -- Pete Tannen, president of the Sarasota/Manatee/DeSoto ACLU and chair of the ACLU State Public Education Committee, will speak to the Lakewood Ranch Democratic Club at 7 p.m. Jan. 8 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

Historical look to be taken at political messaging

PERIDIA -- Robert Toplin, retired professor of political science at the University of North Carolina Willmington, will speak on "The Power of Words: Political Messaging from Jackson to Obama" at the Southeast Manatee County Democratic Club meeting at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 17 at Peridia Golf and Country Club, 4950 Peridia Blvd. RSVP: Paul Dain at 941-756-4050.

-- Herald staff reports