Local GOP raises record amount for 2012 election effort; Forrester, Philbeck honored
Gastonia – The Gaston County Republican Party held its best attended and most profitable Lincoln Day Dinner in memory on Saturday night. More than 225 people attended the GOP’s annual fundraising dinner that commemorates the nation’s first Republican President. The proceeds brought in by the dinner are the most raised in at least two decades, if not ever.
“Republicans in Gaston County are motivated like never before,” stated Gaston GOP Chairman Craig Collins. “Barack Obama and Bev Perdue have given conservatives, and all citizens who cherish smaller government and constitutional freedom, every reason to be involved in this year’s elections.”
Collins went on to praise dinner keynote speakers, Congressman Patrick McHenry (NC-10) and North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Robin Hayes, “Chairman Hayes reminded us, in no uncertain terms, that North Carolina will be the top battleground state this November and we must be prepared to run the score up in Republican Counties such as Gaston.” Congressman McHenry showed why we are fortunate to be moving into the 10th District and gaining such a strong, conservative advocate in Congress for all of Gaston County.
The Gaston County Republican Party presented its three annual awards at the dinner as well. The honorees were:
- Chairman’s Award – Erik Soderstrome, Chairman of the Belmont Abbey College Republicans. Given by Chairman Craig Collins for his volunteer I.T. work for the Party.
- Republican of the Year – County Commissioner Tracy Philbeck. Given for his tireless work at the grassroots level and steadfast support for the principles of the Party.
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Senator Jim Forrester (given posthumously). For his lifetime of dedication to the principles of the Republican Party. For the outstanding example that Senator Forrester set for Republicans in Gaston County during his 21 years as a State Senator, the Gaston GOP also announced that from henceforth, this award will be known as the “Senator James S. Forrester Lifetime Achievement Award.”
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