by Helen Sabin, Corvallis
If anyone still doubts that the Republican spirit in the Bitterroot is alive and well, they clearly missed the Lincoln-Reagan Dinner at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds on October 11.
The evening wasn’t just a dinner — it was a full-on declaration that the NEW Ravalli County GOP is back, energized, and determined to put integrity and optimism back on the menu.
From the moment guests walked in, you could feel the difference. The room sparkled with red, white, and blue décor, flags lined the walls, and the air carried that familiar buzz that only comes when Republicans gather for something bigger than politics — community.
Chair Tony Hudson and the new Central Committee deserve a standing ovation for pulling off the kind of event that makes you proud to be a Republican again.
This wasn’t about grandstanding or finger-pointing. It was about faith, country, and bringing people together over good food and even better conversation.
The dinner lineup was top-notch. The speakers were engaging, the message was hopeful, and the humor was spot-on, that rare balance of serious conviction and lighthearted camaraderie.
Even Lincoln and Reagan would have cracked a grin. (You could almost hear Lincoln whisper, “Finally, some honest politics,” and Reagan chuckle, “There you go again… actually doing it right.”)
The crowd reflected a mix of longtime conservatives and new faces curious to see what the “NEW GOP” is all about. What they discovered was a movement focused on integrity, accountability and common sense, not on shouting matches or purity tests.
There was laughter, applause, and a sense of pride that’s been missing for too long. And let’s not forget the food — because Republicans may argue about tax policy, but they unite completely on the subject of Montana beef.
The dessert dash auction alone raised both eyebrows and funds, proving that generosity and good humor go hand in hand.
More than anything, the Lincoln-Reagan Dinner reminded everyone why local politics matter. It’s where neighbors meet, friendships form, and the foundations of leadership are built — from the grassroots up.
As one attendee quipped while heading out the door, “This is what the GOP used to feel like — hopeful, funny, and ready to work.”
So, to the NEW Ravalli County GOP Central Committee: well done. You reminded everyone that politics doesn’t have to be grim, divided, or full of drama. It can be inspiring, patriotic, and even, dare we say, fun.
If this dinner were any indication, the future of the Republican Party in the Bitterroot is looking bright. And just maybe, Lincoln and Reagan are smiling down from above, saying, “Now that’s our kind of party.”
Timothy Adams says
I wanted to go to a local meeting this week but you don’t even have a basic website setup.
What exactly have y’all been doing for these months since spring?
If you can’t grow the party, do anything to chase ballots in the middle of election season or communicate to your members, what accomplishments are you talking about? Having dinner and listening to yourselves talk? Ok Boomers.
Ryan says
Hi Timothy,
My name is Ryan. I’m the secretary for RCRCC. Our monthly meetings are the first Tuesday of every month at Corvallis HS at 7pm. We’d love for you to attend. (We won’t have a meeting in Dec & will resume in Jan 2026). We are a new board and trying to get things up and running. We were left with basically zero dollars and needed this event to raise funds. I hope to see you at our Jan 2026 meeting.
Sincerely, Ryan
Helen sabin says
, You seem to be a republican
Who loves to complain, but never compliment. When you see that the Centralcommittee has worked hard to restore all the money that was removed from the last treasury by the last central committee to fund their campaigns and only their campaigns, you ought to be giving slaps on the back, toasting them and cheering. What have you done to help? Are you a republican? Then get your butt over to the Centralcommittee meetings and volunteer. If you know how to do Facebook pages and set up social media, you’d be loved by that group. If you have the time to work at the farmers markets on Saturday, they would welcome you. If you have the time to work on any events coming up, call Tony Hudson or Matt Roth who’s the president of the group and let them know your availability. Tim, it’s easy to complain, it’s not easy to produce is it?
Timothy Adams says
No website, no phone #, no point of contact anywhere unless you’re already in the group.
I get better treatment walking into McDonalds than talking to a single one of you.