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News Details
Remembering Ronald Reagan
Posted on Apr 02, 2010 - 01:23 PM by Admin
On Saturday March 27th the Republicans of Rutherford County gathered to celebrate the legacy of Ronald Reagan, our 40th President.
On Saturday March 27th the Republicans of Rutherford County gathered to celebrate the legacy of Ronald Reagan, our 40th President, with a dinner at the Stones River Country Club, in Murfreesboro, TN. Prior to the dinner, a reception was held the home of Joe and Terry Swanson in honor of the featured speaker, Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn. The attendees had an opportunity to talk politics one on one, before her brief remarks. Many thanks to Joe and Terry Swanson for opening up their spectacular home and hosting this event.
Before the Rutherford County Republican Party Chairman could call to order the nights activities, the room was filled with an event record 339 attendees. Everyone had an opportunity to shake hands with two of the three Gubernatorial Candidates and at six of the 6th District Congressional candidates. Additionally, there were 35 other candidates running for State Senate, State Representative, county and city wide positions who attended the dinner. It is the first time in the history of Rutherford County that the Republican Party has a candidate contesting each race. It is a good time to be declared a Republican in Rutherford County. Conservative values and principles were shared by all.
The featured speaker was US Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn from the 7th Congressional District. Rep Blackburn, accompanied by her husband Chuck Blackburn, is a long time friend to the party and county. She has been elevated over the past two years to a position of national prominence with her firm, outspoken stand on issues facing our country. Her tireless, conservative values approach is sought after by those in the print media, talk radio and cable TV. Her remarks were nothing less than inspiring to each and every attendee as she encouraged them to stay active, engaged, and to get behind their candidates. With great confidence she stated that she was looking forward to serving along side newest Republican Congressman from the 6th District.
Congressman Blackburn also explained why the recently past Healthcare Bill had a detrimental consequence to our state and country. Echoing the message that we need to remove and replace it with the next congress and presidential election cycle, even though the bill is being contested within the court system. Further she declared confidently that the next Governor would come from one of the three leading Republican Candidates, all who are uniquely qualified. During her remarks she remembered working with Mike Liles and helping him to become the first Republican elected to the State House in Rutherford County. Her grass roots activities and consistency in promoting the Republican Party and conservatism were well received by all in attendance.
It was a night that was never short on moments to remember. Prior to the Pledge of the Allegiance, Sergeant Justin Babb of the US Army Reserve, gave the attendees an inspiring, emotional message that explained the meaning of the Pledge as defined by Red Skelton. Sergeant Babb had only been home 14 days since his last deployment. His leadership during the pledge aroused a sense of patriotism from all. Following the pledge there was a brief “message from the front” read by Austin Maxwell’s wife, Claire Maxwell. She had just received the message from Austin who is currently serving in Iraq. Austin is a former Rutherford County Republican Party Executive Committee member.
Next came the singing of the Star Spangled Banner by opera singer James Harrington. The activities continued with Minister John Risse praying for the country, the GOP party, and the meal, asking for unity and strength for all involved.
Following the dinner, proceedings included several awards to honor those have tirelessly stood and volunteered for the Republican Party of Rutherford County.
The awards were:
- Republican of the Year: Mike Liles
- Lifetime Achievement: Sally & Howard Wall
- Chairman's Appreciation: Felecia Hix, Bruce Cavender, and Tim Rudd.
Awards were presented by Vice Chairman Jimmy Evans, by Chairman Rick Womick, and Congressman Marsha Blackburn.
Following the awards was short time of fund raising as auctioneer and County Commissioner Steve Sandlin enticed the participants with his humor and quick wit. Items auctioned were donated by Dr. Nate Schott and Dr. Carl Swafford. Many thanks to the winners and to the donors who contributed.
The evening concluded with speeches from our three Republican candidates for Governor and our four Republican candidates for Congress. Each was given 3-5 minutes to explain why they were the best qualified.
No event can be a success without the efforts of the volunteers and committees. We would like to extend a big thank you to:
- Two Interns (Martin & Chris)
- Republican Women who coordinated the registration and table decorations.
- Mike Liles who hung banners .
- Kibble Walker and Tammy Sandlin for reception.
- Tom Walker supplied the background music during dinner.
All the proceeds from the event will be used to fully fund the headquarters operations and support candidates in the upcoming election cycle.
Remember the admonishment by Representative Blackburn to get involved, stay engaged, and get behind the candidates. We look for to seeing you all at the events being planned throughout the calendar year. Thank you and may God Bless Rutherford County.