Lincoln Day Dinner in Ritzville welcomes Republicans from across the state

The Adams County Republican Party hosted the 2016 Lincoln Day Dinner on Saturday, April 16, at the American Legion Hall in Ritzville. There were approximately 100 people in attendance.

The evening began at 5 p.m. with a Social Hour for all attendees to meet with Republican Candidates of Washington and peruse the selection of auction items.

Randy Flyckt, Chair of the Adams County Republican Central Committee welcomed all the attendees and introduced the Master of Ceremonies Gary Weaver.

Before dinner the local Color Guard presented the flag, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Dan and Brett Blankenship, accompanied by the entire crowd, performed the National Anthem.

Pastor Rod Dennis of the Benge and Lind Community Churches then gave an invocation, which was followed by a prime rib dinner catered by Classy Country Catering.

After dinner the Keynote Speaker took to the podium, Bill Bryant, Candidate for Governor presented on changes needing to be made to improve the State of Washington, ranging from economics to education.

He was elected eight years ago to the King County/Seattle Port Commission and looks to bring his experience with him to the Governor’s office and work to “keep jobs in Washington and transform the government to meet the needs of our time.”

Candidate for United States Senate, Chris Vance, also spoke about his platform “A Time for Truth.”

If elected Vance will work with Senator Mark Schoesler and help to bring the Republican voice into the Senate.

United States Congressman Dan Newhouse, Fourth Congressional District for the State of Washington spoke about his work for the State since being elected in 2014 and voiced his plans to run again.

Duane Davidson’s daughter, Kinzy Davidson, spoke about his candidacy for State Treasurer and his qualifications such as being the Benton County Treasurer for four consecutive terms.

Michael Waite then took to the podium to share about his reasons to run for State Treasurer. He is originally from Australia and expresses the message that Washingtonians deserve a finance professional and not a professional politician.

Many of these speakers expressed the need for reform and to help assist the state out of its $90 billion debt along with the unemployment rate, which currently sits at 5.5 percent, and dependence on government assistance that goes along with this.

Flyckt then gave a County Message on what Adams County is doing to support Republican candidates and the Republican Party as a whole.

A Legislative Message followed this, given by Washington State Senator Mark Schoesler, 9th District.

Schoesler continued the trend of stating the changes the party would like to make to improve the state.

The Blankenship Brothers then stepped back up on stage to entertain the crowd with two musical numbers. One of which was their rendition of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

This version included quips about presidential candidates and had the crowd thoroughly entertained.

Jerry Snyder, Auctioneer, began the auction of 25 items with proceeds going to the Republican Committee.

The top three selling items each brought in over $100. The first was a wine bottle opener accompanied by two bottles of wine and a red, white and blue purse, donated by Adams County Assessor Sherri Brewer and was purchased by Flyckt.

The second and third were hammock chairs accompanied by various small items, donated by Adams County Treasurer Laura Dankeas and Retired Adams County Sheriff John Hunt.

Hunt bought the first and Marsha Smith purchased the second chair.

The auction brought in approximately $1,560 for the Adams County Republican Committee.