Reagan Dinner A Success Despite Weather
By Neal Cook
Monday, March 5, 2012 | 6:03 AM
https://hbtv.us/news/?story_id=1033
More than 100 defied the threatening weather and attended the third annual Ronald Reagan Dinner at Lakeshore Inn & Marina in Double Springs on Friday night. Neither lightening, thunder, heavy rain, hail, nor the threat of tornadoes deterred those hearty souls from attending the Winston County Republican Party’s annual fundraising dinner.
Among those attending the dinner were Congressman Robert Aderholt and his wife, Caroline. Despite a delayed flight from Washington and having to drive through a hail storm, Congressman Aderholt arrived in time to deliver an inspiring keynote address. He often referred to the conservative principles of President Ronald Reagan and how they have helped shape his own political philosophy and his efforts in representing the citizens of the 4th Congressional District. After his remarks, Winston County Republican Chairman Neal Cook presented Congressman Aderholt with a copy of South Carolina Senator Jim DeMint’s book, “The Great American Awakening.”
In addition to the keynote speaker, the attendees heard from a number of state and local candidates who will be appearing on the March 13th Republican Primary ballot. The following candidates attended and spoke: Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court: Judge Charles Graddick and former Chief Justice Roy Moore; Supreme Court, Place 1: Judge Debra Jones; President of the Public Service Commission: Kathy Peterson; State Board of Education: Jeff Newman; County Commission Chairman: John Berry and Chairman Roger Hayes; Judge of Probate: Jerry McCullar and Judge Sheila Moore; Superintendent of Education: Greg Pendley and Shandy Porter; School Board (District 4 - Addison): Ellan Oliver; School Board (District 3 - Double Springs): Allin Bailey, Matt Taylor, and Ricky Vickery. Representatives of the Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum presidential campaigns also spoke.
Chairman Cook expressed his gratitude to Congressman Aderholt, each of the candidates, and all of those who helped make the dinner a success. “It is a real tribute to the Republican Party here in Winston County that so many defied the threat of severe weather to support our conservative cause,” Cook said. “They exemplified President Reagan’s willingness to overcome adversity. Two years ago we overcame the threat of a snow storm and this year we overcame the threat of tornadoes. I just hope that next year we don’t have to contend with earthquakes or volcanoes.”
Although a final figure has not been determined, a preliminary estimate put the fundraising total at over $6,000.00. Among those who helped contribute to this success were this year’s sponsors: Roger Hayes, Congressman Robert Aderholt, Shandy Porter, Hon. Sheila Moore, Bill Waldrop, Posey Supply Inc., Greg Pendley, Willard Wadsworth, Greg Farris, Ellan Oliver, Jeff Newman, Hon. Lee Carter, and American Fiberglass.