There was a full house at the Orange County Republican Party meeting Tuesday in Mauriceville that included the swearing in of new precinct chairs and a visit from Congressman Randy Weber.
New Party Chairman Patrick Rainey started the meeting with an emotional speech, apologizing to his opponent, former Chair Cheryl Warren for the mudslinging that took place during their race in March. Rainey, who won with 65% of vote, offered an olive branch to Warren, saying it was time for the Republicans in Orange County to unite. He hoped with her experience in the position that he could call on her if needed.
The split in the party, that many would say caught fire with the hotly contested race between State Rep. Dade Phelan and David Covey in 2024, produced an unusual 18 contested races for Precinct Chair in the March Primary.
Judge Joy Dubose-Simonton handled the swearing in duties and with so many in attendance it was done as a group. Those incumbents and new chairs include: Alan Mesecher, Evita Kemmel, Erik King, Justin Powell, Patricia Kemp, Tim McCarver, James Crocker, Mike Anderson, Lisa Bukowsky, David Bailey, Tim Morrison, Chris Smith, Josh Rich, Mary Low, Mikayla Bourque, Michael Thompson, Jeremy Hodge, Kevin Mott, Tanya Guillotte, John Dubose, David Beck, Lydia Damrel, Robert Simonton, Daniel Arndt, Ed Kibodeaux, Joe Reimers, Jason Engle, Amanda Volkman, and Heather Gallier.
Weber (below) was in attendance and spoke to the crowd along with HD 21 candidate Ray Callas and County Judge John Gothia.
Commissioner Chris Sowell, who doubles as the head of the Mauriceville Heritage Association, presented a big check of $1762.25 to the OCRP for working the parking lot during the Mauriceville Crawfish Bash.
-Gary Stelly, KOGT-
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