On Monday, Oct. 5, Cedar Hill Farm was the location for the Tate County Republican Club’s Annual Dinner, which is their major fund raising event of the year.
Notable individuals in attendance were Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith and Representative Trent Kelly who was also the keynote speaker.
At the state level, Speaker of the House Philip Gunn attended along with several members of the House of Representatives: Dan Eubanks, Dana Criswell, Brady Williamson and Trey Lamar.
Neil Whaley was in attendance representing the state Senate.
Lucien Smith, outgoing Chairman of the Mississippi GOP, was in attendance and spoke briefly.
At the state and regional level, Justice Josiah Coleman, John Caldwell, Road Commissioner from the Northern District, and Chancellor Percy Lynchard were in attendance.
Tate County leaders in attendance included Tim Hale, Chancery Clerk, and County Supervisors Cliff O’Conner, Dist.1, Eddie Branan, Dist. 2, and Daryl Ricks, Dist. 5, and Alee Dixon, the new County School Superintendent .
Local leaders included Senatobia Mayor Greg Graves.
From Desoto County, Supervisor Lee Caldwell, Hernando Mayor Tom Ferguson, and school board candidate
Dr. Larry Sylvester were in attendance.
The meeting began with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Scott Harrison, the Club President, welcomed all present and made opening remarks.
Following dinner, the event was kicked off with a humorous and patriotic song entitled
“I Ain’t Skeered” that was written and performed by Rep. Dan Eubanks.
The gist of the song is summed up in the chorus, “Oh but I ain’t skeered, I ain’t going nowhere, Cause this freedom loving, God fearing, ‘Merican knows what he holds dear…..So I’m gonna fight the fight, oh for what is right, Won’t-let-the-flames of Liberty go out tonight.”
The reality that, as Americans, we are having to fight for our liberties was the night’s theme.
Lucien Smith asked that everyone do two things: vote and give of your time to help campaigns in the swing states. He said it is imperative that we hold on to the Senate. He then urged everyone to do two things after the election: stay engaged in politics and stay united as Republicans and as a country.
Cindy Hyde-Smith said that she is looking for a true constitutionalist for the Supreme Court and that Judge Amy Coney Barrett would be confirmed. She also reflected on how crazy it was in Washington D.C., and she affirmed that Donald Trump can bring our economy back; but that we had to work hard to get out the vote and ask people to vote down-ticket for all Republican positions.
Trent Kelly hammered home the fact that Democrats do not play fair. He said they are absolutely crazy. He warned that, if the Democrats get both houses of Congress and the White House, we will not recognize this country in two years.
Closing remarks came from the two candidates for the State Supreme Court.
Percy Lynchard reviewed his conservative beliefs and support for constitutional law and concluded with this appeal to the group, “I ask of only one thing from you: Give me the same courtesy that you would wish from your judge. Judge me by what I have done over the last 26 years, not by what you have heard, not by who you see me speaking with, not by who you see supporting me. I will gladly stand on my own accomplishments and actions.”
Josiah Coleman said that he would stand on his record of eight years as a member of the Mississippi Supreme Court and that he was a strict Constitutionalist. He affirmed that it is the role of the legislature to make the law and it is the role of the Supreme Court to interpret and apply the laws that our legislature makes.
Pat Nozinich, moderator for the evening, made closing remarks. The meeting was adjourned with prayer by Chip Gresham, Pastor of the Mount Zion Baptist Church, who also gave the invocation.
