Beech Tree News Network

Republican notables and the party rank-and-file gathered in Morgantown on Saturday night, September 27, for the annual Lincoln-Reagan Day Dinner, sponsored by the Butler County Republican Party.  The event was held at the Eva J. Hawes building.

Local GOP Chairperson Diane Ingram welcomed those in attendance.  Butler County Judge-Executive David Fields gave the invocation and led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. 
State Representative C.B. Embry, Jr., also the Republican candidate for the Kentucky State Senate, served as emcee for the evening.  The keynote speaker was the Honorable Elaine Chao, former U.S. Secretary of Labor and wife of U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, who is minority leader in the Senate and is facing a challenge from Democrat Alison Grimes. 

Chao criticized Obamacare (Affordable Care Act), the president's war on coal, and spoke of the importance of the race for U.S. Senate.
“We can’t let Harry Reid give President Obama another two years of doing what he wants,” said Chao.  “Every votes counts, talk to you family and friends; Obama needs Grimes, Kentucky needs Mitch,” added Chao. 

James Comer, Commissioner of Agriculture and candidate for Governor in 2016, spoke about the importance of transparency in government and also had praise for two GOP candidates. "Kentucky needs Mitch McConnell and you don't have a better public servant than C.B. Embry," said Comer.  “I love coming to Butler County; it is like home... went to WKU with Greg Drake and Shane Wells," added Comer. 

State Rep. C.B. Embry announced that he had received the National Rifle Association (NRA) endorsement and encouraged everyone to come out and vote.
Longtime party stalwart Charlie Hutcheson was named Butler County Republican of the Year.
The following field representatives were also in attendance:  Jon Crosby- from U.S. Senator Rand Paul’s office; Holly Lewis- from U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell’s office; Scott Jennings from U.S. Representative Brett Guthrie’s office
Kentucky State Representative Suzanne Miles from Daviess County was also present.
The General Election is set for Tuesday, November 4.