OWENSVILLE — The Gasconade County Republican Central Committee, the local group supporting the Republican party, held their fall meeting over the weekend. Three area politicians, all of whom are up for reelection this cycle, spoke to the group while everyone enjoyed a meal with the requisite pork steaks.

The event took place on Saturday at the meeting hall of St. James Charlotte Church in Owensville. Chairman Paul Schulte opened the event by inviting the pastor of the church, Marty Guise, to say an opening prayer. Guise spoke briefly before blessing the meal.

Guise said that he was a little surprised to be asked to speak at a political event. Whenever anyone asks whether he is a Republican or a Democrat, his answer is that he is a pastor whose focus is on helping everyone in his congregation and community, regardless of their political beliefs. He said that he studied some of Abraham Lincoln’s speeches before writing his message and that he focused on speaking from scripture.

Schulte welcomed veterans and current service members in attendance before asking them and their families to be the first to help themselves to food. After the meal, the group recited the pledge of allegiance and then sang the national anthem, played on piano by Karen Hilkerbaumer.

Five kids then took the stage to collectively read a short poem titled “Why Do Veterans Serve?”. Hilkerbaumer then played the “Armed Forces Medley,” asking those who served to stand during the portion of the song for their branch.

Before they spoke, group member Letha Misener gifted each candidate an impressively crafted cookie molded in the shape of the Seal of Missouri.

Congressman Bob Onder was the first speaker. He highlighted several of the country’s issues he says have recently improved. He said that border crossings are down 97 percent and deaths caused by fentanyl are down 55 percent. He also spoke of several issues he perceives with the democratic party, warning of a movement toward socialism, inability to handle inflation, and what he described as a desire among many democrats to see gas prices rise in the hope of phasing out fossil fuels.

He also spent time on Amendment 3 and 6. His party is in favor of Amendment 3 and in opposition to Amendment 6.

Ben Brown, incumbent up for reelection in the Missouri Senate for the 26th district, largely spoke about Amendment 7. The republican party is in favor of that amendment.

Bruce Sassman, incumbent up for reelection in the Missouri House of Representatives for the 61st district, largely spoke about Amendment 8. The republican party is in favor of that amendment, but Sassman suggested Missouri citizens speak with their local sheriff since the amendment would directly affect their position.

Committee member Cindy Jones then took the stage to encourage everyone in attendance to get out and vote, and to remind their friends and family to do the same.

Pastor Les Dority of the First Assembly Church of God in Owensville gave the benediction before Hilkerbaumer led the group in the singing of “God Bless America” to close the event.

The next meeting of the Gasconade County Republican Central Committee is at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 17 at the Swiss Evangelical Reformed Church.