Blaine County Republicans hold Lincoln-Reagan Dinner at Blaine County Commercial Building

In preparation for the Lincoln-Reagan Dinner, a crew spent numerous hours cleaning and decorating the Commercial Building at the Blaine County Fairgrounds. The event, which was held on April 28 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., featured 2020 gubernatorial candidate Al Olszewski. The National Anthem was sung by Tricia Kimmel.

Despite the Hi-Line's brief return to winter this past weekend, a dedicated crowd of about 50 gathered Sunday evening for a meal catered and served by Shaina Hofeldt and a crew from Andy's Supper Club in Havre. The menu included New York steak, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, and Moon Cake-one of which was made by Rita Richman.

According to Chairman of the Blaine County Republican Central Committee, Don Richman, several invitations were sent to state and local lawmakers, but the weather and personal schedules always dictate who will attend. For example, Congressman Greg Gianforte was scheduled to speak, but his pilot would not attempt to fly into Chinook, given the 50 mile an hour cross winds on Sunday. Instead, Gianforte sent a letter apologizing for his absence. Olszewski addressed the crowd regarding his bid to run for governor in 2020. Richman said the Blaine County Republicans collaborated with those in Hill County to make the event possible. Tickets cost $50.00 per plate.

"Although I'm in my seventies and Chairman Andrew Brekke in Hill County might be 50, we make a good team. I often ask Andrew for advice on political matters; he's fun to work with," Richman said.

After the meal, any lawmaker wishing to approach the microphone could make an announcement or deliver a report. Senator Mike Lang from Malta delivered a legislature update.

During the gathering, a few people in attendance spoke about how these fund raiser dinners serve as grassroots efforts. They discussed how the Republican Party not only finances its operations and local campaigns with these dinners but how they bring together like-minded Republicans to grow and increase cohesiveness in local communities. The consensus was that events like the Lincoln-Reagan Dinner strengthen the Republican Party from the local level all the way up to the national level.

"Like most everything else, politics costs money," Richman said. In addition to sponsoring the Lincoln-Reagan Dinner as a fund raising event, the Blaine County Republicans are selling raffle tickets for an M16 rifle and a Traeger Barbecue Grill. Winners will be drawn later this year-one at the Blaine County Fair and the other at the Chinook Parade of Lights. Tickets are available from any Blaine County Republican Central Committee member. On the evening of the Lincoln-Reagan Dinner, four pies were also auctioned off, two baked by Vicki Snider and two prepared by Ginger Maddox. The pies generated about $500.00, according to Richman. The extra, uncooked steaks were also auctioned off, generating additional funds.

To support candidates, educate voters, and promote freedoms, anyone wishing to make a donation to the Republican Party can contact Blaine County Republican Central Committee Treasurer Karla Buck by calling 357-2286.

"Our attendance was down a little, due to the weather," Richman reported, "but all-in-all, it was a good night."