Shown, from left to right, are Gary Drinkard, vice treasurer; Tom Taylor, treasurer; Charles Riggs, secretary, Linda Pendergrass, vice chairperson, Chairman Ken Coppinger, Tennessee State Republican Chairman Chris Devaney and Chaplain J. C. Gholston.
Ken Coppinger was re-elected by acclamation after he was nominated from the floor. Former State Representative Jim Cobb was nominated by the Nomination Committee which was chaired by Sue Purser. Cobb made an emotional speech to the some 200 persons in attendance at the Rhea County Courthouse and declined to accept the nomination. Mr. Cobb then moved that Mr. Coppinger be elected by acclamation.
Elected for vice chairperson was Linda Pendergrass, secretary was Charles Riggs, Tom Taylor was re-elected for a second term as treasurer.
Gary Drinkard was elected as vice-treasurer. Also sworn in was Chaplain J. C Gholston.
Chairman Coppinger said he was pleased with the election and was looking forward to working with both returning and new members of the executive board.
Tennessee Republican State Chairman Chris Devaney came to Dayton on Monday and swore in the officers for their term. Every odd-numbered year in Tennessee, county Republican parties reorganize by electing officers to lead their party.
The Rhea County Party has also set the date for the Reagan/Lincoln Day Dinner to be April 27, starting at 6 p.m. at the Rhea County High School Cafeteria. Keynote speaker for the event will be Beth Harwell, speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives. Ms. Harwell is serving her second two year term in this position and is the first woman to be elected as speaker of the House.