By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post
The Ellis County Republican Party hosted several local leaders, state lawmakers and candidates for office Thursday as part of the inaugural Red Wave Gala fundraiser in Hays.
The event brought Ellis County residents together to hear from officials including Congressman Roger Marshall, State Sen. Rick Billinger, state Rep. Ken Rahjes and candidate for state representative Barb Wasinger.
Dustin Roths recently took over as the Ellis County Republican Party chairman and said he was pleased with Thursday’s turnout.
“When you do these things you never know how things are going to work out, especially when you’re asking for a $20 ticket,” Roths said. “Right now, it’s all about volunteers, it’s all about people getting out (and) talking to people.
“It’s just so amazing how many more people vote for you if they know who you are and get a chance to talk to you.”
Rahjes, R-Agra, said he is excited to see a revitalized Republican party in Ellis County.
“What’s great is a wide range of ages of folks that are here,” said Rahjes, who represents the 110th District. “We have a lot of young people that are excited and that’s one of the things that really makes us feel good is that young people want to be involved and involved in the party.”
Rahjes and the rest of the lawmakers used Thursday’s event to express their support for Wasinger in her race for 111th Kansas Representative against incumbent Eber Phelps, D-Hays.
“Barb’s principled, Barb’s conservative, Barb has a tremendous track record as a city commissioner and a county commissioner,” Rahjes said. “She is consistent, what she tells you is what you get.”
Wasinger said she has received a lot of support along the way.
“It was a great turnout, and I can’t thank Congressman Marshall for coming here with his wife and spending the evening with us, when he has his own campaign,” said Wasinger. “We had a great turnout with wonderful people.”
Marshall was the main speaker of the evening, and echoed the praise for Wasinger and told a jubilant crowd, “I know I have just complete confidence you’re going to win.”
“We’ve got to get people out to vote and everything else is going to take care of itself,” Marshall said.
Marshall also said he feels like the energy for the Republican party has rebounded.
“Starting back in August, Trump’s base has become engaged,” Marshall said. “I just feel the fervor as we get closer to election day.”
Marshall touted his relationship with the president the energy he has brought to the mid-term election.
“People are engaged, they’re ready to rock and roll. They’re excited about Kris Kobach, they’re excited about Barb Wasinger (and) they’re excited to take this Trump economy and keep running with it.”