Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Three Republicans were added to the Hall of Fame Thursday at the political party's annual banquet: long-time, now retired, precinct chairwoman Doris Kesler; Biomet President and CEO Dane Miller; and Indiana Republican Party Chairman Jim Kittle Jr.
The awards, presented by former Kosciusko County Republican Party Chairwoman Jean Northenor, honor people who have "gone above and beyond the call of duty in serving the party."
She described this year's recipients as having staffed precincts, stuffed envelopes, placed yard signs and generously given of their time and money.
Kesler, along with her husband Robert, ran what is now Wayne Township's Precinct 1 with the highest rate of registered voters in the county and the highest rate of voter turnout.
"She was always aware of new residents," Northenor said.
Upon receiving her plaque, Kesler explained her success was because she was "nibby," wanting to "nib into" everyone's home.
"It's such a privilege to vote," Kesler said. "I cannot believe people slough it off. I was bound and determined to get everyone registered. It was a lot of work and I loved it."
Northenor introduced Miller as "the one we turn to for advice and counsel. He's been known to growl when elected officials do not carry out their responsibilities."
Miller, a Republican fund-raiser, said he wasn't too surprised about the award because several people called to make sure he would attend the event, then he saw a pretty big table of people from Biomet.
"They don't show me any respect at work," he said, joking, "but like to show some in public."
Miller said he felt blessed to be in a community, a county and a state with good Republican leadership. He asserted the difference between Republicans and Democrats is that Republicans have priorities and think through what citizens need to pay taxes for before taxing them.
"A Democrat decides what could buy votes first, then if it does any social good, that's OK, too."
Presenting a third award isn't a common occurrence at the banquet but has been done occasionally over the last 30 years.
Kittle said he couldn't be more shocked or more honored.
Kittle was the evening's guest speaker, along with State Auditor Connie Nass.
Kittle is chairman and CEO of Kittle's Furniture Group and has been involved in Republican Party politics for nearly 30 years on the local, state and national levels.
His national service includes stints as vice chairman of the Bush for President Team 2000. He has been a delegate to three national conventions. He and his wife, Sherry, are residents of Hamilton County, where they are raising their two children, Sawyer and Kenzie.
He called the addition to the local Hall of Fame ledger the neatest thing that has happened to him so far as state chairman.
