Local Republicans have successful event…again
Robert Woody, guest, Master of Ceremonies Jeff McAdams
Local party chairman Stafford Jones had yet another successful event out at the Canterberry Equestrian Center. This year’s headliner was Conservative radio talk show host and Fox News commentator Laura Ingraham. She is heard locally on The Star FM 99.5 from 9am til noon every weekday.
This annual event, known officially as the Ronald Reagan Black Tie and Blue Jeans BBQ, is the Alachua County Republican Executive Committee’s annual fundraiser that is used to help support local candidates and other party functions. It’s what has helped them outraise the Democrats in recent years, but it has become more important to Republican candidates as a must-attend event. This year drew US Senate candidates Charlie Crist, who is presently Governor of Florida, and his Primary opponent, rising star Marco Rubio.
Governor Crist posing with guests
The Governor was given a chance to speak at this event, just ahead of Laura Ingraham. It was a good stump speech, designed to appeal to the recently energized conservatives. He invoked the name of Reagan and trotted out all his conservative street creds and got a good reception from the crowd. But earlier in the program his US Senate Primary opponent, Marco Rubio, gave the invocation which included a brief appeal to conservative values and a short prayer. He got a standing ovation that was several notches higher on the applause meeter than what Crist was to receive.
Marco Rubio posing with guests
Laura Ingraham wrapped it up with short speech on the need to continue to fight the Democrat agenda. She was armed with plenty of humorous barbs, as well as a litany of dangers that we currently face from Congress. She did not fail to include some “Tough Love” items for Republicans in Congress who have rolled over for the liberals in the past, hitting John McCain especially hard.
Laura Ingraham hammered away at Nancy Pelosi
Before the program began, there were some local candidates meeting potential supporters. Among those that I saw were Keith Perry And Remzey Samarrai, both running for the State House, District 22. Jodi Wood, who is still unopposed in his race for the School Board, was there and had a booth. I also saw Speaker of the Florida House Larry Cretul, former Gainesville City Commissioner Ed Braddy, State Senator Steve Oelrich, and perennial challenger Ward Scott. Altogether, I was told there were about 700 people present, although it could have been more.
