The Lincoln County Republican Party recognized two of its strongest supporters during the local party’s annual fundraiser Tuesday night. 

Rep. Beckie Currie, R-Brookhaven, also introduced the 2014 Republican of the Year, as recognized by the Lincoln County Republican Party, Dott Cannon. Currie and others said Cannon is a very deserving individual for her contributions and support of Republican nominees, events, campaigns and officials over many years. Currie said the party has always been able to count on Cannon for a donation but also for bringing wonderful food to events, and being a friend to the party.

“You can always count on her support for Republicans, and we just wanted to show a little bit of support back to her,” Currie said, turning to address Cannon. “Dott, we thank you for all the years that you’ve always been there for us.”

Lincoln County Republican Party Chairman John Roberts introduced the 2015 Republican of the Year, Harold Gary. Roberts said Gary is always supportive of nominees and officials and always works hard to help with events.

“I can call him anytime and he’s there for us,” Roberts said. “He’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever seen.”

Both recipients were presented with gifts of appreciation from the local party. Roberts said in recent years, the party began recognizing Teenage Republicans of the Year. The Lincoln County Republican Party is the only county party within the state that gives scholarships each year to honored teens, Roberts said.

“Hunter Foster, our first Teenage Republican of the Year, is now Chairman of College Republicans for the entire state,” Roberts said. “The efforts of Dott, Harold, the teenage republicans as well as everybody in this room, have contributed to the success of this party.”

Sen. Sally Doty, R-Brookhaven, said she agreed with Roberts, adding that the local party has been getting attention for its quality, evident by the attendance of statewide officials such as Treasurer Lynn Fitch and Secretary Delbert Hosemann at Tuesday night’s event.

“Thank you for all that you do,” Doty said, addressing the room. “All of you here have provided the support and the framework for those of us who have run for office and been successful. I just cannot say enough about our Republican Party in Lincoln County. We serve as a model for other Republican parties across the state, and people are watching us and seeing the good things that we do.

“Other than that, I will leave you with my Ronald Reagan quote as we go into these elections this year, Doty said. “He said: ‘If you can’t make others see the light, at least you can turn up the heat.’ And that’s what we’ve done here in Lincoln County.”

Although much of the night was about the local Republican Party, Fitch addressed Mississippi’s Republican Party. Fitch spoke on how the Republican Party must become all-encompassing, unified and current with the times in order to further its success – including attracting more women and young people.

“It’s hard sometimes and all of us have to make hard decisions. But we’re doing it for the right reasons, so please continue to stand up like you’re doing tonight,” Fitch said. “Please continue to support other Republicans who are out there putting their name on the line. And know that as we come together, we aren’t divided, and we have made a tremendous difference in our state.”