PACHYDERMS GATHER FOR DINNER

PACHYDERMS GATHER FOR DINNER. The Parke County Republican Party held their annual Lincoln Day Dinner this past Saturday at the Rockville Elks Lodge with a full house of GOP supporters and friends. Two Congressmen, Jim Baird of the Fourth District and Larry Bucshon of the Eighth District, along with State Senator Phil Boots of Indiana’s 23rd District, addressed the gathering of party faithfuls. Baird, guest speaker for the event, is a Parke County native now living in Greencastle and a long-time State Representative for the 44th District, which includes Jackson, Union and Greene Townships in Parke County. Baird gained the Congressional seat when incumbent Todd Rokita chose to run for U.S. Senate in last year’s election. Baird’s son Beau succeeded him in the 44th District seat in the Indiana General Assembly. Baird recounted humorous stories of his days growing up in Parke County and discussed the struggles and frustration of the current polarized political atmosphere in Washington, D.C. Congressman Bucshon also spoke of the GOP agenda in Congress and the need for common sense to prevail over partisan politics. Senator Boots recounted Congressman Baird’s time in the General Assembly and praised his effectiveness as a legislator. Pictured at the event are (from left) Congressman Baird; Parke County GOP Central Committee Chairman Mike Watts; Vice-Chairman Katie Potter; Secretary Pam Adams; State Senator Boots; Congressman Bucshon; and GOP Party Treasurer John Pratt. (Sentinel photo by Larry Bemis)