County takes 4 of 7 state Republican awards

The Arizona Republican Party hosted its annual awards dinner earlier this month at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort with over 900 people in attendance, including Gov. Jan Brewer.

State Republican Party Chairman Randy Pullen thanked everyone for all the hard work in 2009 and announced plans for a big party win in 2010.

Counties competed in seven award categories, and Pinal County won four of the seven.

Pinal County Republican Party Chairman Marty Hermanson received the Cal Homan Tribute Award for Most Outstanding Party Worker in the state. Gov. Jan Brewer and Pullen presented Hermanson with his award.

Best Club award went to the Maricopa Republican Club; it was presented to club president Brenda Hermanson (see related story).

Most outstanding party worker in a district was Andy Lockridge from Precinct 73 in Maricopa. Casa Grande businessman and second vice chairman of the Arizona Republican Party, Bill Bridwell, was named outstanding party worker in a county.

“This was a great night for Pinal County, and I am proud of all the hard working PC’s and volunteers,” said Hermanson. “I am very proud of our winners tonight, and they deserve to be recognized for their hard work and dedication. Now we have to focus on getting our Republican candidates elected in November.”

The Arizona Republican Party also hosted its mandatory meeting on Jan. 23 in Scottsdale. Elections for board members were held, and committees were appointed. Various dignitaries spoke, including Senators John McCain and Jon Kyl, U.S. Congressmen John Shadegg, Trent Franks and Jeff Flake, as well as Gov. Brewer and several state officials.

Republicans will host their Lincoln Day Luncheon on Feb.20 at the Windmill Inn in Florence, starting with a candidate reception at 11 a.m. Secretary of State Ken Bennett will be the keynote speaker. Both McCain and Kyl will also speak at the event.

File photo