Oh, What A Night! As Clay County Republicans, we held our Lincoln Day Dinner on June 25th at Heritage Hall in Liberty. 170 of us gathered to celebrate Republican Values, Volunteers, Office Holders and Candidates. MC’d by radio host Chris Stigall, featured speakers included Congressman Sam Graves and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft. Other speakers included both State Auditor candidates, Scott Fitzpatrick and David Gregory and Hunter Henry speaking on behalf of Senator Josh Hawley. The evening was capped off by U.S. Senate candidate Vicky Hartzler. During the evening, we presented special recognitions to Sam Graves, former State Representatives Noel Shull and Kenny Wilson and retired Sheriff Paul Vescovo. We also appreciate our State Party Chairman Nick Myers and his wife Brenda and Missouri National Committeewoman Carrie Almond for making the treks from Joplin and Mendon respectively to join us. Added thanks to all the volunteers who contributed much time and effort to make the evening a success. Clay County is a “Bellwether County” for Missouri and the Nation. The evening’s success showed what we can do and how we can contribute to Republican victory this November. Thank you all!

Speaking of “Bellwether,” I had the privilege and honor of being selected to attend the Republican National Committee’s “State Party Strategies Conference” in Washington, DC, June 27-29. County Chairs from all of the Nation gathered for a non-stop agenda of presentations and discussions on the full range of topics critical to our success. Keynoted by RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel, the RNC recognizes that winning means making the most of grassroots efforts at the county party level. The RNC presenters were young, knowledgeable and eager to engage. The favor was returned by all of us attendees. There were a lot of “take-aways” and I’m eager to launch them here. We have a lot to do and now have even better knowledge, tools and resources (including key contacts!) to do it.

We are now in the final stages of “Round One,” the August 2 Primary. Our Campaign Headquarters is now open at 9764 N. Ash Ave. in Kansas City (see more elsewhere in the newsletter.) Campaigning is heating up with our candidates doing all they can to deliver their message. Contacts for these candidates are shown elsewhere in the Newsletter. Get involved and help them out. They will really appreciate your involvement.

It remains an honor to serve on the Clay County Republican Central Committee and as your Chairman. Thank you to all the others who also serve on the Committee, both now and after the August 2 Primary. And an added thank you to all our other friends and neighbors who, although not on the Committee, nonetheless are stepping up to contribute time and talent to elect candidates who share our conservative Republican Values. On to Victory!