Published: April 29, 2009 06:05 am      

GOP faithful come together for Lincoln Day Dinner

"Abraham Lincoln successfully led our nation through its greatest internal crisis, the American Civil War, and in doing so, preserved our union." That statement by Master of Ceremonies and Cumberland County Mayor Brock Hill, had some significant overtones for a capacity crowd of Cumberland County GOP faithful at the annual Lincoln Day Dinner at Martin Elementary Saturday night, April 25.

Fresh off their own internal crisis regarding the replacement of longtime Administrator of Elections Suzanne Smith by state Rep. Eric Swafford, an action that most local Republicans opposed, those present seemed willing to put differences aside for the evening for the sake of party unity.

Hill, in his opening statements and in reference to President Barack Obama, issued a call to arms to save America from its current dangerous path and its current misguided leadership. "This effort begins at places like Martin Elementary in Crossville and within each of us here tonight," Hill said.

Former state Rep. Raymond Walker, who delivered the invocation, was thanked by those present for his prior service to Cumberland County and especially for his efforts to begin the process of road improvements to Lantana Rd. in 1999. According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation's official Web site, the Lantana Rd. construction project will begin this year.

Former Congressman Van Hilleary led the Pledge of Allegiance with his wife, Meredith, and three young daughters. Hilleary also thanked those present for his past political successes and many friendships in Cumberland County.

Hilleary was elected to five terms as Congressman to Tennessee's Fourth District, a district drawn by a Democrat-controlled Tennessee General Assembly that was intended to heavily favor a Democratic candidate.

The keynote address by Gov. Winfield Dunn, a gracious and eloquent southern gentlemen, spoke of the greatness of President Lincoln and the challenges our country faces today.

When elected in 1970, Dunn was the first Republican governor in more than 50 years. He forged together a coalition of primarily East Tennessee Republicans and Middle and West Tennessee independents and Democrats to win. His successful record as governor was marked by a willingness to work with all regions of the state and both political parties.

A special tribute to the former state Rep. Shirley Duer, who passed away last year, was led by Duer's friend and longtime campaign chairperson, Frances Carson. Carson made special reference to Shirley and her husband, Dr. Carl Duer's, insistence that there would be no partisan political rewards for service to her campaigns.

According to Carson, political patronage was a well-known practice of the Democrats at the time. In spite of having her House District redistricted by the Democrat-controlled General Assembly, Duer was consistently re-elected and served a total of 18 years in the Tennessee House of Representatives.

Tribute was also paid by County Trustee Carolyn Turner, former Election Commissioner Linda Baehr, long time friend and campaign treasurer Bill Oglesby, Hilleary, Walker, Hill and Dunn.

A commemorative video featuring scenes of Duer through the years with constituents and former presidential couples Ronald and Nancy Reagan and George and Barbara Bush was shown and a copy presented to the Duer family.

Dr. Duer, who attended the event with daughter Libby, remarked that Shirley never passed off a constituent's concern to another person or another level of government, regardless of whether it was an issue in which her office was involved.

If a person had a local or federal government issue, Shirley would listen, make notes and then contact the appropriate agency herself in an attempt to assist.

Robin Smith, state chairperson of the Republican Party, spoke of state and national races and the destructive path that President Obama, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other liberals are taking on our country.

Three of the four candidates for governor were in attendance and gave their respective stump speeches. Congressman Zach Wamp of Chattanooga, Attorney General Bill Gibbons of Memphis and Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam all agreed that experience in balancing budgets, job creation and K-12 education are the major issues facing Tennessee. Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey of Blountville was unable to attend and was represented by former Congressman Hilleary.

Cumberland County Republican Party Chairman Aaron Snodderly thanked the large crowd and, upon introducing state Rep. Eric Swafford, cleared a large portion of the room as many in attendance quietly left in protest of Swafford's action to replace Administrator of Elections Smith.

Unfortunately, many who exited missed a special award presentation by the Republican Women to longtime volunteer and treasurer Virginia Houston, who was presented with a plaque of appreciation and a beautiful bouquet.

Cumberland County Young Republican Chairman Dana Wilson closed the meeting with a prayer for our nation.

"It took Abraham Lincoln over four years to reunite the nation. Based upon the activities at the Lincoln Day event here Saturday night, the Cumberland County GOP may be ahead of that schedule," County Mayor Brock Hill noted after the meeting.