The Dubois County Republican Party welcomed guests, state, and local office holders and candidates who attended the annual Lincoln Day Luncheon Saturday at KlubHaus 61 in Jasper.
Those on hand included local office holders such as Jasper Mayor Terry Seitz, Huntingburg Mayor Denny Spinner,as well as members of both the Jasper and Huntingburg City Council, the Dubois County Council, Town of Holland, among others.
They along with community members interacted with state officials such as Governor Mike Pence, 8th District Congressman Dr. Larry Bucshon, newly appointed Lt. Governor Eric Holcomb, District 47 State Senator Erin Houchin, District 48 State Senator Mark Messmer, District 63 State Representative Mike Braun, and District 74 State Representative Lloyd Arnold, among others.
Later on Chairman of the Dubois County Republican Committee, Don Hayes, began the introduction by reflecting on the significant influence of President Lincoln by stating “that President Lincoln showed us how a strong leader uses the levers of power with wisdom and restrain in the face of crisis”. As Hayes commemorated President Lincoln in his speech he then introduces 8th District Congressman Dr. Larry Bucshon to the podium.
Congressman Bucshon declares that its an honor to represent Indiana and that he is running for reelection and that even though we are in budgetary times we make sure we fully fund our military who are protecting us in America and we have to make sure that places like Crane have the resources they need to do their job who supply military equipment. 
After Bucshon’s speech he introduced keynote speaker Governor Mike Pence. Governor Pence spoke about on going issues being addressed on a state and local level including infrastructure and education. Pence elaborated on the concentration the state should invest for future generations and their education.
Pence also shared his gratitude towards Dubois County’s immediate response towards the recent outbreak of the Avian Influenza Virus.
Governor Pence added that luncheons such as Saturday’s are crucial for the Republican party to work together and produce efforts towards this years election.
As newly selected Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb took office earlier this week from Ferdinand native Sue Ellsperman, he shared his enthusiasm of getting to work. Among his responsibilities is the agriculture sector. Holcomb says Dubois County holds a large stake in that area.
Other departments Holcomb will be responsible for are Community & Rural Affairs, Defense Development, Housing & Community Development, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and Tourism.
Then as the event came to a conclusion Dubois County Republican Chariman Don Hayes, shared his thoughts on Saturday’s gathering.
Hayes states he was also very please with the attendance of the office holders who attended as it can be difficult at times to bring many representatives in one day with various schedules but that he views the dedication of each one for being present at the Lincoln Luncheon.
