Encore...

The Hernando County Republican Executive Committee held their 38th Annual Lincoln Day Dinner at the Palace Grand last night. A good size crowd was in attendance for this event even though it was not a record turn out when comparing it to those held in past years. Bob Haa, radio commentator for WWJB, was the Master of Ceremony for the event, with the keynote speaker being Congressman Adam Putman from Polk County.

Jim Greer, chairman for the RPOF, was on hand to give a pep talk to the attendees on standing behind our republican nominee for president, John McCain. Yes, this is the same Jim Greer, that wrote conservative movement off as dead several weeks ago by using the term "stale air" for those that criticized our governor for his endorsement of the McCain campaign before our primary election.

Congressman Putman gave a dynamic speech focusing on the gridlock in Congress that has been created by Nancy Peloisi, the Speaker of the House. Rep. Putman discussed the economy along with the need for responsible health care. Congressman Putman's motivational speech brought the crowd to their feet at the conclusion with a standing ovation. Almost like a rock star, he came back for an encore with some additional words of encouragement as the crowd jumped to their feet again in loud applause.

Dinner was finally served after the completion of the invited speakers around 8:15 p.m. The food was excellent but lukewarm at best because it had sat in warming trays throughout the speeches. The low temperature and late hour of the dinner service was due to the agenda schedule of the HCREC, not the staff of Palace Grand.

Many candidates were attendance for this big night, with each being introduced by the master of ceremonies at the beginning of the event. Sheriff Nugent, and his lovely wife Wendy, were in attendance, as well Commissioner Jeff Stabins and Alvin Mazourek, Hernando County Property Appraiser. Some new names in the candidate line-up included Mr. Healis for county commission, district 5 and his opponent Michael J. Robinson. County commission candidate, John Druzbick was making the rounds last night with information on a free event he will be having in early April at Weeki Wachee.

State Committeewoman Gail Samples was presented a beautiful plaque for her dedication and hard work on the absentee committee. This award was made even more special by the surprise attendance of all three of Gail's sons for the presentation.

The final item on the agenda was the Free Enterprise Award which was given to Snow and Bell Insurance. Gene Bell was on hand with many of his family members to accept this award. Many people were already drifting out of the hall when this award was presented since it was the last item on the agenda. Maybe next year the order of the agenda will be revised by the HCREC board of directors after more thought is given to the sequence of events at last night's dinner.

It was nice to see some old friends in attendance last night and savor the memories we have all hold as republicans in Hernando County.