Republicans host Lincoln Day dinner

DAVENPORT - The Lincoln County Republican Party observed its annual Lincoln Day dinner Saturday, Feb. 24 at Memorial Hall.

After a catered dinner, attendees got to hear from several candidates for public office.

Lincoln County Prosecuting Attorney Adam Walser announced his candidacy for Lincoln County Superior Court Judge. Current Judge Jeffrey Barkdull is stepping down from that position after his term expires at the end of 2024.

"I think it's important that we have judges with the same values as the local community," Walser said.

Gubernatorial candidate Dave Reichert sent his surrogate Seth Smith to speak at the Davenport event.

Smith spoke of Reicher's years as a sheriff in King County and serving in Congress as a Republican representing portions of King and Pierce Counties.

"I think its time for Washington to elect a Republican," Smith said. "We have a chance to elect a real winner."

Another candidate for Governor, Semi Bird, addressed the crowd at the dinner and called himself a constitutional Christian conservative. After speaking of growing up in adversity and his years of success in the military, education and leadership experience in the business world, he recited the Preamble of the United States Constitution.

Next up was a representative from Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers' office, reminding the group that she is not seeking reelection. Five candidates vying for her seat spoke at the dinner.

Ferry County Commissioner Brian Dansel of Republic addressed the Lincoln County Republicans. His previous experience includes serving in the Trump Administration as assistant to Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Purdue.

"I am running to bring my experience working with local, state and federal government to focus on agriculture, economic development and improving the country's stance as a world power," he said.

Another candidate looking to succeed McMorris-Rodgers is John Guenther. He introduced himself as a Christian, husband, father and tribal member. In his passionate address, he spoke about shoring up the dollar, term limits and stopping insider trading in Congress.

"I'm going to D.C. to lead," he said.

Another very passionate speaker was Jacqueline Maycumber, who touted her success in the State House of Representatives.

"When you have a record, you talk about your record," she said. At the end of her time speaking, she quoted her grandmother saying, "you are put on this earth to save the nation for the next generation."

Spokane County Treasurer Michael Baumgartner surprised the group by sharing he would be officially announcing his candidacy for the Congressional seat on the following Monday. He told the group he is just concerned that we are losing the American dream.

He had three key points: beat the Democrats, drain the swamp and make Eastern Washington Great. He vehemently ended with the message that the border must be closed.

Another Spokane politician, Jonathan Bingle, who serves on the Spokane City Council, believes there is a real battle for the soul of the United States and a need to return to Judeo-Christian values.

Local resident and columnist Sue Lani Madsen ended the evening event by offering words of encouragement to the local Republicans gathered in Davenport. She called for Republicans to be unified to win in the upcoming elections.

"The only way to get there is to focus on the larger goal," she said.