Heartburn...

Mild heartburn was the best way to describe the evening at the Chili-in-July event, sponsored by the Republican Executive Committee as a fundraiser, to highlight this year's candidates for office. A moderate gathering of approximately 100 people attended this event to sample homemade chili prepared by candidates and elected officials. The overall atmosphere of the evening somehow lacked the usual election year excitement and had the tone of a typical political, rubber chicken dinner, without the chicken, just heartburn. The heartburn came from the many samples of chili from very, spicy, to somewhat bland, to just plan awful. But it was all done in good fun, with each candidate vying for the title of the best chili chef for the year. My favorite was prepared by the Tom Gallagher campaign which was slightly spicy and on the sweet side. My second choice was made by Gail Samples that had quite a kick to it. The worst chili won my Tums award and the chef will remain anonymous. Some of the those that participated were Ginny Brown Waite, Jeff Stabins, Rich Nugent and Robert Schenck. Even though this was a Republican fundraiser, County Commission Chairwoman Diane Rowden and her husband Jay, Democratic Executive Chairman, attended the event. It seems the REC public press notices for this event lacked the usual disclaimer that always specifies for registered republicans only. Seems like somebody goofed on this one. Ms. Rowden and her husband were very polite though, chatting with everyone, while sampling chili. Each candidate table was set up with the typical campaign literature, with the respective candidates dishing up their brand of chili. Festive red, white and blue decorations adorned the room in the typical election year fashion. It was nice to see some old friends and enjoy a few laughs during the evening. Some of the small talk consisted about the unfolding events over the last several days, namely the resignation of Robert Schenck from the county commissioner. Some low whispers were heard discussing the possible replacements for Schenck's commission seat by appointment of the governor. Since no real names were confirmed we'll just have to wait and see who will take the plunge. This Chili-in-July is the official kick off for the certified candidates to run full speed ahead to the Primary Election. Good luck everyone!