Bloomington, IL – September 10, 2024 – The McLean County Republican Party hosted its annual Lincoln-Reagan Dinner at the DoubleTree Hotel and Conference Center in Bloomington, attracting nearly 150 enthusiastic participants for an evening dedicated to mobilizing support for the upcoming election. This flagship fundraising event featured keynote speaker Darren Bailey, 2022 gubernatorial candidate, and special guest speaker Kathy Salvi, newly elected Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party. (Click on the title above to continue reading if necessary.)
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Darren Bailey. Kathy Salvi
Both Bailey and Salvi energized the audience with their passionate calls for unity and hard work as Republicans head into a critical election season. They emphasized the stakes of the 2024 presidential campaign and the need to rally behind conservative principles, expressing optimism for former President Trump’s re-election campaign.
During the evening, special recognition was given to local leaders for their outstanding service. Awards presented included the Freedom Award to Chelsie Leffelman and Precinct Committeemen Leadership Awards to Jerry Klinkner and Kimberly Miller. The highlight of the evening was the announcement of Carl Wenning as the 2024 MCGOP Republican of the Year, honoring his exceptional commitment to conservative values and leadership within the party.
Participants enjoyed various fundraising activities, including a 50/50 raffle, a Second Amendment raffle, and a silent auction featuring numerous prize packages. Attendees were particularly excited about the Trump yard sign sponsorship drive, which raised significant support for the campaign. Following the banquet, many guests stayed to watch the highly anticipated Trump-Harris Presidential Debate on four big screens.
“This event serves as a launching pad for our get-out-the-vote campaign this fall,” said MCGOP Membership Chairman Connie Beard. “With the energy in this room, I am confident that we are well on our way to making a lasting impact in McLean County and beyond.”
Media coverage of the event was provided by The Pantagraph, highlighting the importance of the Lincoln-Reagan Dinner as a central feature of McLean County’s Republican activities.
The McLean County Republicans have also launched their fall campaign headquarters with its Restore Illinois Shop, open Monday through Thursday and on Saturdays. The shop offers a variety of campaign materials. For more information, visit the McLean County Republicans website.