Frankfort, Kentucky, August 11, 2025
News Summary
At the Statewide Lincoln Dinner in Frankfort, Kentucky, Senator Jim Justice entertained around 850 Republicans with a humorous anecdote about an exploding toilet. This marks the first such dinner in five years, amid ongoing political protests outside the venue. Notable GOP figures, including Mitch McConnell, addressed attendees, while candidates for the Senate seat outlined their platforms. The event facilitated discussions on party unity and highlighted the grassroots connection among local politicians, despite protests from groups concerned about access to political leaders.
Frankfort, Kentucky – Jim Justice Delivers Humorous Anecdote at GOP Fundraiser Amidst Political Protests
West Virginia Senator Jim Justice entertained an audience of approximately 850 Republican attendees at the Statewide Lincoln Dinner held in Frankfort, Kentucky, by sharing a humorous personal story about an exploding toilet. This incident provided levity in an overall serious atmosphere as attendees gathered to support the GOP amid ongoing political discussions and protests.
The event, which marked the first Statewide Lincoln Dinner in five years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, took place at the Central Bank Center. More than 850 attendees participated at varying ticket prices, ranging from $100 to $15,000. The dinner served as a platform for Republican leaders to connect and discuss key issues facing their party.
Notable figures such as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, conservative commentator Scott Jennings, and three candidates vying for McConnell’s Senate seat were present. The candidates included Congressman Andy Barr, former Attorney General Daniel Cameron, and businessman Nate Morris.
At the dinner, candidates outlined their affiliations and platforms, reinforcing their loyalty to the GOP. Andy Barr particularly emphasized his ties to former President Donald Trump, whereas Daniel Cameron showcased his record as attorney general. In contrast, Nate Morris critiqued seasoned politicians like McConnell, attempting to position himself as an outsider, akin to Trump.
During the event, McConnell honored Cathy Bell with a lifetime achievement award for her long-standing contributions to training young political operatives. This gesture highlighted the importance of mentorship within the party.
The dinner also underscored the conservative values shared by attendees. Local politicians, such as Willie Oden running for sheriff and farmer H.H. Barlow advocating pro-life stances, symbolized the grassroots connection within the party’s ranks. Scott Jennings further intensified the gathering’s spirit by launching criticisms against Democratic figures, likening Governor Andy Beshear to a dalmatian and ridiculing liberal pet owners.
In a different atmosphere, around 50 protesters from the group Peaceful Bluegrass Resistance assembled outside the conference center to express their opposition to Trump and Barr. These protesters voiced their concerns about the state of democracy, with protest leader Craig Blair highlighting the group’s mission to seek better communication with Republican legislators, perceiving a gap in public access to political figures.
The Statewide Lincoln Dinner provided a much-needed opportunity for Republican supporters to reconnect and reinforce shared principles after a prolonged absence caused by the pandemic. Attendees reflected on their collective political priorities while navigating the complexities of the current political landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Jim Justice’s humorous anecdote engaged both supporters and critics at the GOP event.
- The dinner aimed to rally Republican loyalty and connection after a five-year hiatus.
- Protests outside the venue highlighted the ongoing divide in political sentiments.
FAQ Section
What is the Statewide Lincoln Dinner?
The Statewide Lincoln Dinner is a biennial fundraising event for the Republican Party, where party members gather to discuss issues, celebrate achievements, and raise funds.
Who were the key speakers at the event?
Key speakers included Senator Mitch McConnell, conservative commentator Scott Jennings, and several prominent candidates for McConnell’s Senate seat.
What was the purpose of the protesters outside the event?
The protesters aimed to express their discontent with the Republican leadership and highlight the perceived lack of access to legislators for the general public.
How much did attendees pay to attend the dinner?
Tickets to the dinner were priced between $100 and $15,000, creating various tiers for participation.
Event Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Statewide Lincoln Dinner |
| Date | Recent event (first in 5 years) |
| Location | Central Bank Center, Frankfort, Kentucky |
| Attendance | Approximately 850 |
| Ticket Prices | $100 – $15,000 |
| Key Figures Present | Mitch McConnell, Jim Justice, Scott Jennings, Candidates for Senate Seat |
| Protest Participation | About 50 protesters from Peaceful Bluegrass Resistance |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Politico: Daniel Cameron Senate Fundraising
- Kentucky Lantern: Democrat Stevenson Gets Fundraising Lead
- Kentucky.com: Latest Politics News
- Washington Examiner: Barr Leads Cameron Fundraising
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Political Party
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