BEDFORD— On Saturday, April 20th, the Lawrence County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner was held in the Historic Indiana Limestone Building at 405 I Street.
Many local and state leaders were in attendance, as well as five of the six Republican gubernatorial candidates. Some local leaders included Mayor Sam Craig, Representative Chris May, Senator Eric Koch, Sheriff Greg Day, City Councilman Dan Bortner, and many others.
Of the gubernatorial candidates, the ones in attendance were Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch, Senator Mike Braun, Former Attorney General Curtis Hill, Businessman Brad Chambers, and Businessman Eric Doden. Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Jamie Reitenour was invited but did not attend the event.
At the start of the event, Republican Chairman Heath Hawkins welcomed everyone. Josh Haltom, Discipleship Ministry & Community Engagement at Mount Pleasant Christian Church, led a prayer.
World War II veteran James Lee Hutchinson was honored along with other veterans who City Councilman Brad Bough recognized. Hutchinson then led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Kaylynne Kohlhaas, an 8th grader at Mitchell Junior High, then performed the national anthem. After this, Heath Hawkins introduced each gubernatorial candidate to speak while the attendees were served dinner catered by Cedar Hill catering.
Lawrence County Circuit Court Judge Nathan Nikirk recognized the Lawrence County office holders.
Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch, shared her commitment to fighting to improve the mental health of young people in the state of Indiana and the stories of loved ones she lost to mental health. She thanked the local government for their hard work and offered empathy, knowing how hard it is. She shared that she wants to stop state income tax, sharing a plan called “Axe the Tax.” She shared that her most significant commitment is to preserve the family unit.
Senator Mike Braun was not expected to attend the event due to the Iran-Israel conflict, which called him to Washington, D.C., for government action in the Senate. He called for federal term limits and a balanced budget. He shared that the state government’s response to COVID was an “overreaction,” saying that the same response would not have happened on his watch. He boasted about his record in the Senate, saying that he ranks as “one of the most conservative.”
Brad Chambers shared that “he had never been on a ballot before two months ago,” frequently pausing his speech to say, “Bear with me” and “I’m new to this.” He shared his story of his grandfather, who had little education, and went on to state he started businesses. He focused on the importance of improving the education system and incentivizing people to want to start businesses in families in Indiana.
Eric Doden shared that he was told to go to college and graduated sixth in his class out of twelve, being “deeply average.” He shared lessons from his grandfather who served in ministry: faith without works is dead, and without foundation, people perish. He shared that these things influenced his leadership. Doden stated that he is for a zero-cost adoption policy and wants to put 10% of Indiana’s billion-dollar budget into small towns. He ended his speech by asking for three things: that the audience “put their faith to work” and serve their community, that they not be afraid of the future, and that they pray for him to have a “servant’s heart.”
Curtis Hill gave the final speech of the night, opening with a joke about Donald Trump. He highlighted his public disagreement when Governor Holcomb announced mask requirements. He said he is not a typical politician who says he will “do things and then not offer a plan.” He then highlighted his beliefs on abortion and transgenderism.
After the gubernatorial candidates’ speeches, leaders from the Lawrence County Young Republicans spoke to share their commitment to reaching out to Republicans between the ages of 18 and 40. Following all speeches was a meet-and-greet with all attendees, who were welcome to speak with the candidates or socialize.
