12Dan ForestThe Cumberland County Republican Party presents its Lincoln-Reagan Dinner Saturday, Jan. 27, at 6 p.m. at The Vine.

“This is an annual dinner for candidates, registered Republican voters and their guests to get together and share ideas about the coming year and how we can best advance conservative ideas locally and in the state,” said James Baker, county Republican Party chairman. “In the case of congressmen who are attending, we also want to share with them our concerns as conservatives on the national level.”

Baker added that many conservative voters are supportive of tax reform, and many of them are hunters or sportsmen and support the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Bill that one of our congressmen has recently advocated.

The keynote speaker is Lt. Gov. Dan Forest. Special guests include North Carolina Supreme Court Associate Justice Barbara Jackson, Congressman Robert Pittenger, Sen. Wesley Meredith, Rep. John Szoka and other statewide and local officials.

The Lincoln-Reagan Dinner is named in honor of Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan.

Lincoln was the first Republican president and a great president who successfully preserved the Union,” said Baker. “Reagan was a tremendous conservative, and even President Obama has referred to Reagan as a transformational figure who was successful in the opinion of many in bringing transformational change to the country in his generation.”

Baker said the Cumberland County Republican Party exists to support its candidates. “We support our candidates at the local level, statewide and national levels,” said Baker. “Our primary focus is local, then statewide and then nationwide – in that order.

“We are looking forward to a good event. Our guests are very highly regarded by local Republicans, and we are looking forward to a great evening.”

Ticket cost is $50, and there will be door prizes. Doors open at 5 p.m. The Vine is located at 806 Katie St. For more information, call 910-728-2601.

Photo:Lt. Gov. Dan Forest is set to deliver the keynote address at the Lincoln- Reagan Dinner Jan. 27. The dinner is hosted by the Cumberland County Republican Party.