The statute of Abraham Lincoln overlooks the swearing in of Secretary of State Trey Grayson on January 7, 2008 at the state capitol.  Chief Justice Joseph E. Lambert administered the oath of office for Secretary of State Grayson.

Perhaps Lincoln was viewing Kentucky's next Governor being sworn in.

The Commonwealth's constitutional officers were sworn in beginning at 11:00 in the rotunda.

Secretary of State Trey Grayson and Secretary of Agriculture Richie Farmer took the oath of office for their second terms, along with Democrats Jack Conway (Attorney General), Crit Luallen (Auditor), and Todd Hollenbach (State Treasurer)

 

 

Secretary of State Richie Farmer, accompanied by his family took the oath of office for his second term.  District Judge Renee Muncy administered the oath for Farmer.

State Representative David Osborne, Oldham County GOP Chairwoman Anne Gernstein, and U.S. Marshall Rick McCubbin gather at Berry Hill Mansion for a luncheon hosted by Secretary of State Trey Grayson

Oldham County Chair Anne Gernstein, Secretary of State Trey Grayson and Hardin County Chair Jim Weese

December 2007

Rest easy, sleep well my brothers. Know the line has held, your job is done. Rest easy, sleep well. Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held. Peace, peace, and farewell...

Readers may be interested to know that these wreaths -- some 10,000 -- are donated by the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine. The owner, Merrill Worcester, not only provides the wreaths, but covers the trucking expense as well. He's done this since 1992. Also, most years, groups of Maine school kids combine an educational trip to DC with this event to help out. Making this even more remarkable is the fact that Harrington is in one the poorest parts of the state.

 “We couldn’t do anything in this country if it wasn’t for the people who gave their lives to protect us,” Mr. Worcester said. “It’s a great honor to be able to come here and pay our respects.”

The Wreaths Across America story began over 15 years ago when Worcester Wreath Company (a for-profit commercial business from Harrington, Maine) began a tradition of placing wreaths on the headstones of our Nation's fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery.

Over that period of time, Worcester Wreath has donated 75,000 wreaths which were placed by volunteers in a wreath-laying ceremony each December. This year, Worcester Wreath Company will do even more to show its respect and appreciation for those who serve, by doing the following:

* Doubling its annual donation to 10,000 wreaths destined for Arlington National Cemetery.

* In addition to the Arlington Wreath Project, Worcester Wreath donated 2,500 wreaths to the Maine Veterans Cemetery at Togus, and over 1,800 ceremonial wreaths, representing all branches of the armed forces, were sent to over 200 other state and national veterans cemeteries across the Country.

* For the first time in 2007, ceremonial wreaths were also be donated to 24 veterans cemeteries on foreign soil, and aboard U.S. ships sailing in all seven seas.

* All wreath-laying ceremonies were held concurrently on Saturday, December 15th, at 12:00 noon EST.

* On Monday, December 10th, 51 wreaths were  donated for a special wreath-laying ceremony at each State Capital and 36" ceremonial wreath for our Nation's Capital.

Needless to say Worcester Wreath Co. is by far the largest donor to the Wreaths Across America project and they are dedicated to this project for many years to come. It is a vision that we will one day honor every veterans' memory for the holidays, as a way to show our gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices made to preserve our freedoms.

Remember the fallen;

Honor those who serve;

Teach our children the value of freedom.
 

Holiday Greetings:  A Contrast between Parties

To All Our Democrat Friends:

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes
for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress,
non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice
holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious
persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with
respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of
others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions
at all.  I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling
and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally
accepted calendar year 2008, but not without due respect for the
calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society
have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily
greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western
Hemisphere. Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed,
color, age, physical ability , religious faith or sexual preference of
the wishee.


To Our Republican Friends:

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

(Lizzie Palmer, a 15 year old girl put this video together) 

Enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/v/ervaMPt4Ha0&autoplay=1 

Senator McConnell Speaks at Chamber of Commerce Luncheon on July 2

The Oldham County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership    with The Oldham Era, hosted a luncheon featuring U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell on Monday, July 2 at the John Black Community Center in Buckner.

The Senate Republican Leader addressed over 100 attendees discussing national security and a wide range of other topics of interest in addition to answering questions from the largely Oldham County audience.

Kentucky's senior senator noted that America's presence in Iraq and Afganistan is a key reason that the United States has not been attacked since September 11, 2001.  Emphasizing the importance of a forward-based policy, Senator McConnell stated that "The worse thing we can do is take everyone out, bring them back home and leave a huge vacuum to be filled by our enemies."

View the Oldham Era story

View the Courier-Journal July 10 Neighborhoods Story

Visit Senator McConnell's website at:   http://mcconnell.senate.gov/

May 22, 2007

Governor Ernie Fletcher at Oldham County Rally in LaGrange on Friday, May 18

View Video from Event

Governor Ernie Fletcher Wins  Republican Primary in Strong Showing, takes 106 Counties

Anne Northup Carries Oldham County by Wide Margin

Stan Lee Nips Tim Coleman in  Attorney General Primary Race

Melinda Wheeler Edges Ken Upchurch for State Treasurer

Richie Farmer in a Landslide

Steve Church Wins 1st Magisterial District Primary

View Unofficial Kentucky Primary Results at http://electionresults.ky.gov/KyElectWeb/

Oldham County Results

February 2007

19th Annual Oldham County Lincoln Day Dinner Another Success

                           (click to enlarge)

Congressman Geoff Davis delivered keynote address

Governor Ernie Fletcher and Ann Northup Make Their Cases

Candidates for Governor, Lt  Governor, Attorney General, Treasurer, Agriculture and Auditor Attend

The 19th Annual Oldham County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner was held Sunday, February 25th at the John Black Convention Center in Buckner.   Approximately 145 Oldham County Republicans, Republicans from neighboring counties, and candidate for state-wide office attended the dinner.  

Former 4th Congressional District Chairman Marcus Carey once again served as emcee, providing a mixture of humor and political insight and "red meat"  to entertain the audience.

Judge/Executive Duane Murner delivered his annual invocation to President Lincoln, providing insight to Lincoln's past and his very limited circle of friends.  Murner concluded that President Lincoln's unique life experiences; personal family tragedies; mentally ill wife;  bouts with depression; and lack of true friends and confidants provide few lessons for others with respect to political leadership success.  Remarkably, Lincoln succeeded despite all of these challenges in a nation torn by conflict.

Congressman Geoff Davis delivered the keynote address and emphasizing the strategic importance of victory over the radical Islam threat facing the United States and western civilization.  Davis noted that progress and cooperation are possible in Congress where mutual interests overlap between the Democratic majority and Republicans.  Congressman Davis also paid tribute to the late former 4th District Congressman Gene Snyder, who served as a mentor and inspiration to him.

Republican candidates for Governor, former 3d Congressional District Representative Ann Northup and Governor Ernie Fletcher, were each allocated 10 minutes to make their respective cases for election in the May primaries. 

Oldham County GOP Chair Anne Gernstein presented a Waterford crystal gavel to emcee Marcus Carey, who served several years as the 4th Congressional District Republican Chairman, and has emceed the Oldham County Lincoln Day Dinner for the past several years.  This gift was in gratitude for his years of service and unrelenting support for Republicanism and its party's candidates, and Marc's retirement as the 4th District Chair December 31, 2005 in order to run for office.

Given Oldham County's importance as a Republican majority county, a host of candidates and their campaign staffs attended the dinner. 

In addition to Oldham County State Senator Ernie Harris, State Representative David Osborne and Oldham County's local elected officials, notable non-candidates attending the dinner included Republican National Committeewoman Gail Russell and Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore.  Secretary of State Trey Grayson is unopposed for reelection, and once again attended the Oldham County Lincoln Day dinner.

Candidates included Governor Ernie Fletcher and his running mate Robbie Rudolph, and Ann Northup.  Candidates for Attorney General included Tim Coleman, Jon Larson, and Stan Lee.  State Treasurer candidates included Lonnie Napier, Ken Upchurch, and Melinda Wheeler.  Commissioner of Agriculture candidate Don Stosberg also attended.

Wade Campbell provided entertainment	4th Congressional District Representative Geoff Davis Delivers the Keynote Address	Oldham County Chair Anne Gernstein
Bill Cooper providing Bible to Geoff Davis while Pat Davis and Governor Fletcher look on	Lindsey Satterthwaite draws door prizes while Emcee Marcus Carey thinks of his next joke	Ann and Woody Northup  enjoying dinner before Ann's speech
Governor Fletcher makes his point	Governor Fletcher	Governor and First Lady listening to Geoff Davis
Attorney General Candidate Stan Lee	Anne Gernstein presenting a crystal gavel to Emcee Marcus Carey	The Winters collecting their successful Silent Auction bid winnings
Judge Tim Feeley and Magistrate Rick Rash	Magistrate Iva Davis chatting with Governor Ernie Fletcher	Ann Northup working the crowd
Governor Ernie Fletcher	County Clerk Julie Lentz chatting with 1st District Magistrate Steve Church and his wife	Anne Gernstein and Marcus Carey celebrating another successful dinner
Ann Northup delivering her campaign points	Marc and Vicki Satterthwaite with son Ben, and daughter Lindsey

Digital Photos:  Please provide your digital photos from the Lincoln Day Dinner to Anne Gernstein at afg1226@cs.com.

Candidate Websites:  Candidates are invited to forward their respective election website addresses to Anne Gernstein for linkage on this site.

In Memory

Former 4th Congressional Congressman Gene Snyder

1928-2007

Pewee Valley resident served 11 terms in U.S. House of Representatives

Statement of Senator McConnell on the Death of Congressman Gene Snyder
from the Office of Senator Mitch McConnell

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Washington, DC -- U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell released the following statement today on the death of Congressman Gene Snyder:

"Elaine and I are saddened by the death of Gene Snyder. Congressman Snyder was an outstanding leader, tireless public servant and a man of great character. I will always remember Gene as the man who gave me my first real opportunity in politics. In the summer of 1963, I served as an intern in his Capitol Hill office and I learned a lot from watching him work. I will always be grateful to him for giving me that experience. I also enjoyed the times we worked together on behalf of the people of Jefferson County -- a community that he truly loved. Gene will be missed."

Congressman Davis Comments on the Passing of Former Congressman Gene Snyder                                     Saturday, February 17, 2007

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Geoff Davis issued the following statement on the passing of former Fourth District Congressman Gene Snyder:

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of former Congressman and fellow Kentuckian, Gene Snyder.  During his time in the House, Congressman Snyder was an unyielding force whose visionary efforts laid the groundwork to improve our region and the lives of Kentuckians for generations to come.  Personally, he was a great friend, mentor and constant encourager.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Pat, his family, and his friends during this difficult time.”

Courier-Journal Funeral Coverage January 25, 2007

Biography

Oldham Era

Louisville Courier-Journal

Cincinnati Enquirer

Governor Martha Layne Collins and Congressman Gene Snyder during opening of a section of the Gene Snyder Freeway in the fall of 1986 (photo courtesy of Anne Gernstein)

Archives

January 8, 2007

Governor Fletcher Appoints Steve Church as First District Magistrate

Governor Ernie Flectcher announced on January 5th the appointment of Steven P. Church, 39,  as Oldham County's First District Magistrate.  Church was sworn-in on Monday, January 8. 

Steve replaces Paula Gish, who resigned her position on January 1 to accept the Deputy Judge/Executive position in Judge/Executive Duane Murner's new administration. 

Steve Church is a native of Louisville, growing up primarily in the Prospect area, just on the Jefferson County/ Oldham County line.  Steve and his wife Jennifer have been married for 15 years and have one daughter Haley age 7.  She is enrolled at Goshen Elementary at Hillcrest.  The Church family moved to Oldham County in May of 2001.  Steve is the president of a successful insurance agency Logan Lavelle Hunt Insurance/Winston & Company Benefits in Louisville.  He has been with the firm for 16 years and the company employees 65 people.  Steve and Jennifer spend their spare time participating in Oldham County Youth Football, where Haley is a cheerleader and Jennifer is a coach; the Hillcrest Swim team, various dance and gymnastic classes and at Lake Cumberland where the family can relax on their boat.

Click here  to read the January 10 Courier-Journal article.

January 1, 2006

Newly Elected County Officials Sworn-in

Republicans Hold All County-Wide Elected Positions with the exception of Circuit Clerk

In a ceremony in the Fiscal Court room in LaGrange, newly elected officials of Oldham County were sworn-in beginning at 11:00 a.m.  The swearing-in marks the first time in county history that its citizens have elected a Republican Judge/Executive and Republican Fiscal Court and reflects the strength of the GOP in Oldham County.

Cirucit Court Judge Tim Feeley swore in Duane Murner as Judge/Executive, replacing Republican Mary Ellen Kinser.  Judge/Executive Murner then swore Sheriff Steve Sparrow, Jailer Mike Simpson, and other officials. 

Judge/Executive  Murner then introduced and swore in fiscal court magistrates.

New members of Fiscal Court include David Voegele (2nd District); Iva Davis (5th District replacing Duane Murner); and Scott Davis (6th District).

Judge/Executive Duane Murner, accompanied by his wife Anne, is sworn in by Judge Tim Feeley

Fiscal Court also includes incumbents Bob Leslie (3rd District); Steve Greenwell (4th District); Rick Rash (7th District); and Bob Deibel (8th District).  Paula Gish (1st District) was sworn in as the elected magistrate from District One, and resigned her position during the Fiscal Court meeting following the swearing-in to accept the Deputy Judge/Executive position.  Mrs. Gish's replacement will be replaced by Governor Ernie Fletcher.

Click here to view the newly elected Republican officials of Oldham County.  Republicans won every county-wide race with the exception of Circuit Clerk position, which was unopposed. 

(Left) Magistrates Bob Diebel and Steve Greenwell relax prior to the ceremony

(Right) Judge/Executive Duane Murner addresses the large crowd attending the swearing-in ceremony

 

              Oldham County Newly Elected Republican Fiscal Court taking their Oaths of Office

1st District Magistrate Paula Gish	2nd District Magistrate David Voegele	3rd District Magistrate Bob Leslie
4th District Magistrate                Steve Greenwell	5th District Magistrate       Iva Davis	6th District Magistrate Scott Davis
7th District Magistrate Rick Rash	8th District Magistrate     Bob Diebel

December 2006

Rest easy, sleep well my brothers. Know the line has held, your job is done. Rest easy, sleep well. Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held. Peace, peace, and farewell...

Readers may be interested to know that these wreaths -- some 5,000 -- are donated by the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine. The owner, Merrill Worcester, not only provides the wreaths, but covers the trucking expense as well. He's done this since 1992. Also, most years, groups of Maine school kids combine an educational trip to DC with this event to help out. Making this even more remarkable is the fact that Harrington is in one the poorest parts of the state.

 “We couldn’t do anything in this country if it wasn’t for the people who gave their lives to protect us,” Mr. Worcester said. “It’s a great honor to be able to come here and pay our respects.”

In 1993, rather than bring leftover wreaths, he planned for the event. Since then, he’s driven to Arlington every year with volunteers and a truck full of decorations.

Click here to read more...

This rendition of Silent Night puts the Iraq Study Group Report into perspective

Click to Listen

Thanks to all who have sent Christmas Cards to our American military heroes
who are recuperating from wounds at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center to
 show just how much these true American Warriors
are appreciated.
 

Lexington Herald-Leader

Posted on Fri, Nov. 17, 2006

GOP stalwart from Inez to chair RNC

By Lee Mueller

EASTERN KENTUCKY BUREAU

Robert “Mike” Duncan received goal outlines from the president.

Republicans in Eastern Kentucky and in Washington, D.C., are hailing the selection of Inez banker Robert "Mike" Duncan this week as chairman of the Republican National Committee.

"Quite simply, the RNC could not have selected a more talented man to serve as chairman," U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell said in an e-mailed statement yesterday. "Mike is battle-tested and ready for the challenge of this position."

If the 168-member RNC approves President Bush's selections in January, U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida will be the public face of the party and its chief fund-raiser, and Duncan will run its day-to-day operations.

They would replace chairman Ken Mehlman, who is not seeking re-election.

Although some Republicans in Washington object to Martinez's support for liberalized immigration laws, no one there or in Kentucky expressed any opposition to Duncan, a top RNC official since 2001.

"Mike Duncan has a sound legal mind, is extremely personable and is a skillful political and business strategist," said U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, R-Somerset, who represents Duncan's home district.

Click here to read the Nov 21 AP story.

November 2006

Oldham County Republican Women's Club Annual Fund Raising Dinner Another Success

The popular annual Oldham County Republican Women's Club Fund Raising Dinner was held Sunday, November 12 at the John Black Community Center in Buckner.  State Senator Ernie Harris served as master of ceremonies and Gail Russell, GOP National Committeewoman from Kentucky delivered the keynote address.  The dinner is the largest fundraising activity for the Women's Club and featured a silent auction that included a pair of University of Kentucky basketball tickets donated by State Representative David Osborne.

Attendees enjoyed an abundance of good food, deserts, and GOP fellowship

State Senator Ernie Harris served as emcee and provided sharp humor and insight into the State election results

Gail Russell, GOP National Committeewoman from Kentucky and Vice Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party delivered the keynote address and thanked Oldham County Republicans for their organizing efforts and turnout on November 7.

Flag Etiquette

Need to review the proper etiquette for displaying the United States flag?

One of the best sources for the proper display and care of the flag is the National Flag Foundation.  Click here to access their web.

The United States Flag Code, first adopted in 1924 and amended through the present, prescribes flag etiquette for a variety of circumstances ensuring that our national symbol is treated properly.  Whether you are displaying your flag at home, or are organizing an event that includes the U.S. flag along with other flags, it is always useful to review the rules of etiquette.

October 2006

October 16, 2006

Vice President Dick Cheney Visits Oldham County to Support

Congressman Geoff Davis' Re-election

Several hundred attend rally on Covered Bridge Road

October 14, 2006

Karl Rove Visits Oldham GOP HQs to Lead County Rally:

Urges strong turn-out to support Congressman Geoff Davis

and local GOP Candidates

Karl Rove urges crowd to Support Congressman Geoff Davis on November 7 to retain control of the House of Representatives

Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson addresses the GOP rally.  From left to right:  Trey Grayson, Karl Rove, Anne Gernstein, State Representative David Osborne, and State Senator Ernie Harris

The White House signaled the importance of re-electing 4th District Congressman Geoff Davis by dispatching White House senior strategist Karl Rove to lead a GOP rally at the LaGrange headquarters of the Oldham County GOP on Saturday, Oct 16.  Rove emphasized the need for another solid volunteer effort to secure Davis' Congressional seat.  Other GOP notables and candidates addressing the crowd of approximately 60 included Oldham GOP Chair Anne Gerstein; State Senator Ernie Harris; State Representative David Osborne; Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson; candidate for Oldham County Judge/Executive Duane Murner; Candidate for Kentucky Supreme Court Marcus Carey; and Candidate for Court of Appeals (6th Appellate District, 1st Division) Owen Kennedy

Photo Gallery

Aug 16, 2006

Iraq Veteran Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Brian Corneilson Addresses Oldham County Citizens on August 16; Over 100 Attend

 LTC(R) Brian Corneilson of Elizabethtown addressed a large and interested gathering on August 16 at Harmony Landing Country Club, providing a non-partisan, candid view of the Iraq conflict.  County Chair Anne Gernstein organized the event in lieu of the August county GOP meeting.  The event was open to all, and included a significant number of military veterans.

Brian served a year in northern Iraq, returning in December 2005.  Now retired from active duty, he graduated from Syracuse University and the Harvard School of Law, and served as a Judge Adjutant General (JAG) Corps lawyer.  His wife Lorraine and daughter Megan--a senior at Fort Knox High School--accompanied Brian at the Harmony Landing Country Club gathering.

LTC(R) Brian Corneilson and LT Gov Steve Pence

Introduced by Lieutenant Governor Steve Pence--a United States Army Reserve Military Judge--Brian provided a  presentation consisting of his personal photographs and maps from his  tour of duty providing a cultural, historical, and military background of Iraq for the audience.

LTC(R) Corneilson addressed issues going right and wrong in the conflict, and noted the courage of the average Iraqi citizen and military and police recruits.  He pointed out several examples of the media's unbalanced portrayal of daily events in Iraq, pointing out that the media rarely provide the needed context with the news in producing the "truth" in their reporting.  Brian's message is that News + Context = Truth, an equation the liberal media rarely utilizes.

Brian will address the Oldham County Citizens' Police Academy Alumni Group on Tuesday, Oct 24 at the John Black Community Center in Buckner.  Call Anne Gernstein at 222-8832 for additional information and reservations.

Click here to view a photo gallery from the event.

Click here to view a soldier's wife's tribute to our troops (PowerPoint presentation)

Oldham County Republicans Man GOP Booths for Oldham County Day

Saturday, July 15, 2006

Oldham County Chair Anne Gernstein and a number of volunteers manned the 2006 Oldham Republican Party and Oldham County Republican Women's Club booths on a hot and humid Oldham County Day.  Local and State candidates provided campaign materials, visited the booths and talked with citizens throughout the day.

PRIMARY ELECTION HELD ON TUESDAY, MAY 16, 2006
UNOFFICIAL BALLOT FOR OLDHAM COUNTY
May 16, 2006

Unofficial Results for Election

Click here to view and download the overall unofficial results

Click here to view results by precinct

June 26, 2006

Message from Scott Jennings to Oldham County Republicans

(from the White House) 

 

This week Time magazine is devoting its cover story to Theodore
Roosevelt. One of the contributors to the issue is Karl Rove. Below is
his short essay on TR, which I thought you might like to see it.

                Time Magazine

July 3, 2006 issue (posted Sunday, June 25)
Lessons from a Larger-than-Life President
By KARL ROVE

Theodore Roosevelt is one of the most remarkable figures in America's
story. Adventurous, brave, opinionated, a larger-than-life personality,
he was a man of action, energy and motion. T.R. loved what he called
"the literature of history"--and wanted to be a key actor in America's
great drama.

Roosevelt was not perfect by any means--but he was an extraordinary man by any reasonable measure. He was among our most consequential
Presidents, changing America in deep and lasting ways. A century after
he served as President, he still has many things to teach us. Among
them:

1. It is every American's responsibility to be active in our civic life.
"The first duty of an American citizen, then," Roosevelt said, "is that
he shall work in politics." T.R. took the title of citizen seriously. He
believed freedom could not be preserved without Americans "striving and
suffering for it" by defending the nation and participating in the
practical work of democracy.

2. Politics should be animated by large, important ideas. For a man who
said "I like big things," politics was about precisely that. T.R. was
not interested so much in management or budgeting matters; he wanted to grapple with big issues like America's role in the world, social justice
and fairness in competition. Whether it was waging war or waging
peace--T.R. was the first American to win the Nobel Peace Prize--he
shaped the future of the nation and the course of human events. In doing
so, he helped invent the modern American presidency.

3. The United States, while not flawless, is a profound force for good
in the world. Theodore Roosevelt led a reluctant nation, largely
indifferent to world affairs, onto the global stage. On his watch,
America became a great world power. "There comes a time in the life of a nation, as in the life of an individual, when it must face great
responsibilities, whether it will or no," he said in 1898. "We have now
reached that time. We cannot avoid facing the fact that we occupy a new place among the people of the world ... Our flag is a proud flag, and it stands for liberty and civilization. Where it has once floated, there
must be no return to tyranny."

4. Leadership matters. Confident in his own powers of judgment and
persuasion, Roosevelt believed in "immediate and rigorous executive
action" in times of crisis. And whether they agreed with him or not,
Americans knew where this human dynamo stood on the great issues of his time. Driven by a fervent belief in the Declaration of Independence, he drew strength from his faith that all Americans "stand on the same
footing," as human beings worthy of respect. And like all great leaders,
he inspired those he led, turning his convictions into theirs.

5. A spirited clash of ideas is not only inevitable in politics, but
helpful. T.R. didn't just love ideas, he loved to debate them as long as
it was fair and straight. The "healthy combativeness" of politics
clarified differences and choices. The rough-and-tumble of the political
arena didn't bother him. "If a man has a very decided character, has a
strongly accentuated career," Roosevelt said, "it is normally the case
of course that he makes ardent friends and bitter enemies." T.R. had
both. So did F.D.R. So did Lincoln. So did Reagan. So do all
consequential leaders.

6. There can be great joy in politics. At the age of 28 and on the verge
of losing the New York City mayor's race, he still wrote a friend, "I
have had first class fun ..." He relished the thrust and parry of
politics, its give and take, the highs and lows. And he knew politics
was a noble profession. "Aggressive fighting for the right is the
noblest sport the world affords," he famously said. No man loved being
President more than T.R.--or missed being President as much.

7. Character matters. Roosevelt was a man of extraordinary self-will.
Encouraged by his father, he turned himself from a sickly child to a
powerful, hardy young man. He overcame common human fears and became a man of great courage. He chose "the strenuous life" over comfort and ease. He was a loyal friend and faithful husband--and reveled in the   company of his children. He encountered heartbreaking losses-- the
sudden passing of his beloved first wife and his mother on the same day
in the same house and, later, the death in combat of his son
Quentin--yet his life was characterized by passion and zest and a drive
to achieve great things.

Roosevelt's fellow citizens loved him, in large measure because they
knew how deeply he loved his country. At the start of "a new century big
with the fate of many nations," he said America was the "young giant of
the West." He strived with all his considerable power to conserve,
strengthen, direct and ennoble it. He did all that and more, which is
why Theodore Roosevelt holds a special place in the American
imagination.

Karl Rove, a history buff, is assistant to the President, deputy chief
of staff and senior adviser.

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1207773,00.html

---

Another Lincoln Day Dinner Success on  Sunday, February 19

Oldham County GOP's 18^th Annual 2006 Lincoln Dinner was held Sunday, February 19 at the Oldham County Community Center in Buckner.  The dinner drew its largest turn-out ever, with over 170 Oldham County Republicans and guests in attendance.  Nearly all Oldham County Republican candidates for office for 2006 attended the dinner.

Former 4th District GOP Chair Marcus Carey once again served as the emcee for the event.  Marc has filed to run in the non-partisan race for Kentucky Supreme Court Justice.  Magistrate Duane Murner, as has become an annual custom, presented an "Invocation to Lincoln".

Osi Onyekwuluje, an attorney who resides in Bowling Green who immigrated from Nigeria several years ago spoke on the subject of "The importance of President Lincoln to the Black People and, to him".  Osi has filed to run for election for a seat on the Kentucky Court of Appeals, 2d District, 2d Division.  (Visit his website at www.voteosijudge.com.)

The Annual Oldham County Lincoln Day Dinner is the single largest, annual fundraising event our Party hosts. The revenue generated from this event has enabled Oldham County to maintain a year-round county Republican Headquarters in LaGrange.  The headquarters has been open since June 2002.

County Chair Anne Gerstein expresses her gratitude to the dinner’s co-hosts, sponsors, donors, volunteers, attendees, and individuals who donated items to the silent auction.  All contributed to the success of the dinner.

Click here to view the 2006 Lincoln Day Dinner Photo Gallery!

---

Impact of President Bush's Tax Cuts for Kentucky

Scott Jennings, Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Political Director provided the Oldham County GOP Tax Cut Relief statistics for Kentucky.  Click here to review the positive impact of tax cuts for nearly every Kentuckian who pays taxes.

Oldham County GOP Chair Anne Gernstein recently crossed the Ohio River to assist in the re-election efforts of Indiana Congressman Mike Sodrel.  The picture above shows Anne making voter identification and Get Out The Vote phone calls for Rep Sodrel at his Jeffersonville, IN campaign office prior to the Indiana Primary Election on May 2, 2006.

Kentucky Congressman Geoff Davis was unopposed in the May 16 primaries but is facing a challenge in the general election in November.

Click here to view a poignant tribute to our deployed troops, "If I Die Before you Wake." (Note:  this is a PowerPoint presentation)

Congressman Geoff Davis Opens New District Office in LaGrange

Office Serves Constituents in Oldham, Henry, Trimble, and Carroll Counties

(From L to R) Oldham County Magistrates Paula Gish and Bill Tucker, Congressman Geoff Davis, Henry County Judge/Executive John Logan Brent, and Oldham County Magistrate Duane Murner prepare to cut the ribbon on new district office in La Grange.

Congressman Geoff Davis' new La Grange district office is now officially open for service.

Congressman Geoff Davis' new district office at 108 W. Jefferson St. in La Grange. This office services Oldham, Henry, Trimble, and Carroll Counties.

Congressman Geoff Davis and Oldham County Magistrate Beverly McCombs celebrate the opening of the new district office in La Grange. Photo courtesy John Foster/The Oldham Era.

Field Representative Samantha Southard receives the new office's first mail package.

Click here to read The Kentucky Post's latest coverage of the 4th District Race