In celebration of Lincoln’s birthday, and recent electoral accomplishments, a group of approximately 100 Republicans, including many members of the Lincoln County Republican Committee, assembled at the 1812 Farm for an evening of socializing and fellowship.

Led by the newly elected chairman of the County Republicans, Gordon Colby, the group heard comments from former State GOP Chairman Rick Bennett and his daughter, Abby, a student at UMO and chair of the Maine Federation of College Republicans.

Bennett, who was preceded by his daughter, provided his assessment of the current state of the Republican Party in Maine highlighting accomplishments as a result of the 2016 elections. He also described several key areas upon which republicans must emphasize in order to continue in their efforts to focus upon things that directly affect the every day lives of the people of the state. While indicating that he is exploring the possibility of running to replace Gov. LePage at the conclusion of this term, Mr. Bennett indicated that he has not yet decided whether or not to do so.

Abby gave the group insights into the challenges she faced as a Republican on a contemporary college campus and her approach to informing her fellow students regarding Republican values and priorities. Local legislators Dana Dow, Deborah Sanderson, Abden Simmonds, Jeff Pierce and Jeff Hanley spoke of their priorities in Augusta. Chairman Gordon Colby spoke briefly of the plans for the Lincoln County Republican Committee in the coming year.

For information about the Lincoln County Republican Committee, visit www.lincolncountyrepublicans.org, and follow the Committee on Facebook, www.facebook.com/lincolncountymainerepublicans.