Sen. Frist and Ken Blackwell: Big Guns In Allen County

It appeared that nearly 600 people showed up to the Allen County Ohio Republican Bar-B-Q to hear what the press is calling the big guns for the 2006 election. Nearly every one showed up for critical Allen County in the Northwest Ohio region. Good timing as Allen County is a Victory Center location and has received the (coveted??) status of a targeted county once again.

Every candidate with the exception of 3 on the ticket was there. The main speaker was US Senator Bill Frist was introduced by Governor candidate Ken Blackwell. It was really the first time that Blackwell had the opportunity to speak to a very large gathering in the county and I was glad he was able to speak. Something his campaign has needed to do for some time. People become energized when they have a real opportunity to hear him speak. There is that something special that happens when you hear more than just the usual sound bits on TV or Radio.

Sen. Bill Frist was exceptional. I had never heard him in person and I found his speech filled with humor and well timed points he could drive home. He also engaged the audience in part of his speech when he made very dramatic comparisons to Republicans who are “right” on topics like taxes, national security and court appointments. On the other hand Democrats were “wrong” on each of those topics. The Senator is actively stumping for candidates and is a contender for the 2008 Presidential race.

It was a tremendous event and could very well energize the good size crowd to help turn out the vote and prove the polls dead wrong.

On a local note it was good to see all the candidates including 3 prominent names in the area: State Rep. John Willamowski who will be on the 3rd District Court of Appeals; State Sen. Jim Jordan who even according to the MSM will easily win the Congressional seat for the 4th District; Judge Bob Cupp who is poised to be the first ever Supreme Court Justice living in Allen County.

Only a few more days… lots of work to do yet but things are looking up for the Republican Ticket in the area.

Tags: Ohio