GOP Supporters Turn Out En Masse For Annual Fish Fry
Posted
Dan Spalding-dspalding@timesuniononline.com
In one of those uniquely American scenes repeated in countless small towns across the political landscape, hundreds of Kosciusko County Republicans gathered Wednesday with about two dozen candidates, and not a single speech was uttered.
Handshakes and small talk squeezed out the need for any stump speeches Wednesday night as local Republicans turned out en masse for the party’s annual fish fry ahead of the May 8 primary.
Visitors consumed fish, chips and pork beans on long tables bathed in political swag that included a litany of brochures, key chains and pins spread amid bowls of tartar sauce.
Emblazoned with candidate names, there were numerous types of unique political paraphernalia available: white ceramic coffee mugs from Tony Ciriello, frisbees touting Bob Conley and York mints from Kim Cates who said she carried on the tradition once used by the late Bob Sanders, a popular county councilman who died last year.
The event at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds attracted all three of Indiana’s Republican U.S. Senate candidates and Congresswoman Jackie Walorski of the 2nd District.
Several of the state’s top officeholders joined local candidates on the serving line, and a reporter from the Washington, D.C-based political publication Roll Call canvassed the room, soaked in the atmosphere and interviewed folks about the races for Congress and thoughts on President Donald Trump.
Organizers ordered 550 pounds of fish for the event and nearly ran out. Volunteers had to restock some of the side dishes, according to county Republican Chairman Mike Ragan.
Ragan compared Wednesday’s turnout to one in 2016 when the guest list included then-Gov. Mike Pence who was just weeks away from becoming Donald Trump’s choice as vice president.
“There were so many great things that came together to make for a great evening,” Ragan said about Wednesday’s gathering.
While mid-term campaigns often don’t result in large turnouts, attendance at the fish fry seems to suggest strong interest in the races.
Ragan credits the invigorated atmosphere on interest in the three-way Senate race and the contest between four Republicans for Kosciusko County sheriff.
Senate candidates include Jasper businessman Mike Braun and two congressman, Todd Rokita and Luke Messer.
Sheriff’s candidates are incumbent Rocky Goshert, county coroner Tony Ciriello, Indiana State Police trooper Kyle Dukes and county deputy Chris Rager.
“It’s gonna come down to the wire,” Ciriello said.
Republicans also have choices for the southern county commissioner’s seat where incumbent Bob Conley faces Delynn Geiger.
Republican voters also have choices in two area state house races.
In the District 22 State House race, incumbent Curt Nisly faces Kimberly Cates, a member of the Kosciusko County Council.
In the District 18 race, incumbent Dave Wolkins faces a challenge from Wabash area resident and pastor Russ Reahard.
