Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
On Thursday, Nov. 11, the local Republican party held their annual James Madison U.S. Constitution Dinner at Devine Events, in Madison. The sold-out event featured a good meal, as well as an opportunity to meet political candidates and pay tribute to local public servants. The event also served as a fundraiser for the local volunteer fire departments and American Legion Posts.
As part of the program, the James Blair Award was presented to Rebekah Basford Kervin. The James Blair Award is named after an early 19th Century Congressman who resisted using tax-payer funds for charitable purposes. The award has also become known as the “Don't Run to Washington for Everything Award.” Blair felt if members of Congress wanted to support charitable endeavors, they should do so with their own money, not the money of taxpayers. Kervin was recognized for her dedication to teaching and preserving the history of Madison County.
The keynote speaker for the event was Congressman Ted Yoho. Congressman Yoho served for eight years, from 2013 to 2021, in the U.S. House of Representatives for Florida's Third Congressional District. When Rep. Yoho first ran for congress, he vowed to only serve for eight years (four terms). While in Congress, Rep. Yoho served on the Agriculture and Foreign Affairs Committees. In 2015, he chaired the Pacific Sub-Committee. While serving in that capacity, Rep. Yoho was able to initiate the largest reform to foreign aid in decades. “Good foreign policy leads to good economic policy, good trade policy and is critical for strong national security,” Rep. Yoho is quoted as saying. “We live in the greatest country in the world because of God's blessings. It's this generation's duty to honor these blessings and to answer the call of duty to unite this nation as one under His grace.” Rep. Yoho also went on to say that “a politician worries about the next election. A statesman worries about the next generation.” Rep. Yoho urged those in attendance to become more like statesmen and work for the next generation, rather than the next election.
For more information on the Madison County Republican Executive Committee they can be contacted by email at rec.madison@yahoo.com.