The theme of Saturday’s Lincoln Day Dinner was bolstering the ranks of the Republican Party and inspiring grassroots political efforts.
Roughly 250 Clark County Republicans converged on Vancouver’s Heathman Lodge for the annual fundraising event, to drink, eat and hear members of the Liberty Caucus rail against the meddling of cumbersome bureaucracy and the tyranny of the federal government.
But amid complaints about the Affordable Care Act and religious freedom, there were calls to action and vows to remain “bold” with the message.
Cary Condotta, a Wenatchee-based legislator for the 12th District, said work was being done to strengthen the Republicans’ rolls throughout the state. Condotta spoke of the need, and the work already accomplished, to spread the conservative message far and wide.
“We have a complete noose around Seattle,” he said, pausing for a second. “We have a lot of women candidates — exciting women candidates.”
U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler spoke of her federal efforts to contain debt, highlighting her no-vote to raise the debt ceiling.
She also criticized the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, for hurting America’s seniors.
“I can’t tell you whether the (health care) website is working or not,” Beutler said, referring to early problems rolling out the site. “But I see seniors … and they tell me they’ve seen cuts in Medicare because of this health care law.”
She also gave an update on her baby, Abigail Rose, who was born with Potter’s Syndrome, a condition that stifles kidney development and prevents a baby’s lungs from developing. The condition was previously thought to be fatal. Beutler said Abigail Rose was doing well and was “proof that God intervenes in the events of man.”
Some of the strongest words came from Matt Shea, a state representative for the 4th District.
He called on Republicans to stand united to diminish government, create more freedom and lower taxes.
“When we stand united as Americans on principle and don’t back down, we win,” he said. He added that “immorality and Marxism” happen when people don’t show up.
Auction items included a variety of firearms, including an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, along with some less-flashy experiences and gifts. Those included a canoe trip with Auditor Greg Kimsey and a day shadowing Commissioner David Madore, along with an assortment of goodie baskets.
While some longtime members of the Republican Party privately groused about the Tea Party slant the local party had taken in recent years, the majority of the attendees Saturday showed support for the speakers, providing loud whoops of support. This included when Madore, seated alongside Commissioner Tom Mielke, was noted for his work opposing the Columbia River Crossing.
While the two commissioners were seated at the same table — representing a quorum — their seating arrangement wasn’t necessarily a violation of the state’s Open Meetings Act, as long as they didn’t discuss county business.
Peter Schiff, a radio and television personality who made a name for himself, in part, for his prediction of the Great Recession, provided the evening’s keynote address.
Schiff, the chief global strategist and chief executive officer of Euro Pacific Capital Inc., served as a strategist for Ron Paul during the Texas Congressman’s 2008 presidential campaign and himself ran an unsuccessful campaign for U.S. Senate in 2010.
Although Schiff took the stage after The Columbian’s deadline, he discussed what his message was with a reporter as he signed copies of his 2012 book “The Real Crash.”
“We have a phony economy, and it’s being propped up by debt,” said Schiff, who earned the nickname “Dr. Doom” for his bearish take on the U.S. economy. “As the result of interest rates being too low, the economy is screwed up.”
He said the country was on the verge of another recession, and he questioned whether the country fully recovered from the previous recession.
“We’re in worse shape now than when Obama was elected,” Schiff said.
