Annual party fundraiser featured Keynote speaker Vivek Ramaswamy

By: Deb Giehl (Loveland Beacon Contributor)

WARREN COUNTY, OH (April 13, 2026) – The Warren County GOP Lincoln-Reagan Dinner was held Friday, April 10th at the Great Wolf Lodge in Mason, OH.

The dinner is the main annual fundraiser event for the Warren County GOP. Upon check-in as they arrived guests were courteously welcomed and received a gold bag of coins (the chocolate kind wrapped in gold foil with clovers embedded on one side and a leprechaun on the other representing the gold at the end of the rainbow). Also included was a metal coin with “Warren County Republican Party” and a picture of our nation’s Bald Eagle on one side with profile headshots of Lincoln and Reagan, “Lincoln-Reagan Dinner, Happy 250th America, April 10, 2026” on the flipside. The bag of coins promoted the idea we all have something to donate; our time and our treasure.

In honor of celebrating America’s 250th birthday, all guests were greeted by George and Martha Washington (played by Scott & Colleen Schitter). 

Colleen is a  Warren County Executive Central Committee member.  She was asked why she was playing the role of Martha Washington

“It’s an honor for my husband and I to step into the shoes of our First President and First Lady,” she said,  “and imagine their experience at the dawning of the birth of this country and celebrate our victory.”

The evening started with a VIP reception with many elected officials and candidates for the upcoming May 5th Primary Election in attendance.

“The appearance of these important officials only reinforces how important and influential Warren County is with regard to Ohio elections as a whole for the Republican Party,” said Sandy Kristof, Central Committee member and Organizer of the welcoming check-in process.

I was able to catch Vivek Ramaswamy (candidate for Governor and the evening’s Keynote Speaker) for his quick comment. Paraphrasing here, Ramaswamy said:

“The three most important things I will attempt to accomplish as Governor of Ohio is to:  1) lower costs; 2) allow Ohioans to receive bigger paychecks; and 3) give them better schools.” 

When I asked him about his stance on data centers and if he was aware of the possibility of mobile data centers, he quickly “needed” to move on for a photo opportunity with other attendees. I was unable to get any additional information from him.

Regarding the main event – dinner and guest speakers – the band was quite wonderful playing Big Band music (that was not overpowering) while everyone found their seats and had the opportunity to  purchase a drink from one of the cash bars located throughout the room.  

All attendees had some time to peruse the literature left on the table while we waited for our dinner to be served. The literature included: the evening’s Program and brochures for three candidates –  Steve Erbeck (Congress District 1), Judge Ron Lewis (Supreme Court) and Jay Edwards (Treasurer). We recited the Pledge of Allegiance, prayer and the National Anthem was sung followed by the guest speakers taking the stage.

(Here’s a breakdown on the speakers for the evening)

Mehek Cooke – Fox News Contributor (I’ve also personally heard her speak at a Northeast Republican Women’s Group lunch) explained the rule of law and accountability for all people including our government officials.  She discussed Ohio daycares that have no children in them – yes – it’s not just happening in Minnesota!  Two of the mid-term election issues will be affordability and rampant fraud.  She’s knocked on doors and encouraged others to do so to get the good candidates elected.  “We need bold leadership, and we CANNOT allow Sherrod Brown to be elected back into the Senate.”

Zac Haines – Candidate for Ohio State Senate (District 7) reinforced the idea that we need outsiders and builders, not the insiders that are simply past failed leadership.  He called the Democrat Governor candidate, Amy Acton, Dr. Fauci 2.0.  He believes America was built by positive radical ideas, not kings and queens, but by people that want to use common sense in all areas of life.  We want to apply the words and wisdom of George Washington, not the negative ideas of George Soros.  We want to go forward, not backward – we want to make sure the American dream is actually attainable.

Vivek Ramaswamy – Candidate for Governor was greeted with a standing ovation. He discussed his goal to make Ohio #1 again for families and jobs.  He mentioned that Ohio used to be #1 in many areas such as the Wright Brothers (aviation pioneers) from Dayton, and John Glenn (first man to walk on the moon) from Cambridge.  He reminded everyone that we get what we vote for and that what we elect is what we deserve.  He considers himself the most conservative candidate versus Amy Acton who essentially closed down Ohio during COVID and believes she’ll do the same if elected as Governor.  He scoffs at all Woke policies and promises to grow and expand our economy.  He feels he has the moral duty/ obligation to “pay forward” his advantages received by his education and his pharmaceutical affiliations.  He wants Ohio to succeed and feels that his becoming the new Ohio Governor will be a new dawn for Ohio in January 2027.

Steven Erbeck – Candidate for Congress (District 1) experienced some sound issues and handled the situation in a very diplomatic manner.  He discussed the Greg Landsman (Democrat) policies that are not in tune with the Republican desires.  Here’s another gentleman that believes he can do a better job in this state Congress than his opponent come November if he wins the primary.

Bevery Aikins – proud Mother of Vice President JD Vance asked for support for the candidates that align with our beliefs.  We must remain united in our collective efforts through volunteering, mentoring or simply lending a helping hand that will strengthen our nation.  She encouraged all to step up and engage in the political process.

Shawn Farash – President Trump Impersonator (back by popular demand) was very entertaining and amusing.  He often impersonated President Trump while expressing and interjecting his message of making an effort to get people to vote simply by knocking on doors.  This is how elections are won!  We MUST get people to go out and vote!

Anthony Munoz – Past Bengal football player with 13 years in the NFL was greeted with the band playing and standing ovation. He mentioned that he is a Mason/Warren County resident. He talked about how we need to do what he’s always done – fight for what we believe in and never give up!  He credits his single mom for his work ethic and his learning to always be humble and show humility by remembering your past.  Munoz shared quote from Vince Lombardi: “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.”

The meeting closed with a rousing send-off message from Christian Mays, Warren County GOP Chairman.

“One year ago, we were broke and couldn’t pay our bills,” said Mays. “We’re in much better shape now.  We are one county that ‘stayed the course’ last November when many other counties lost to Democrats.  We raised money.  We flipped school boards.  Nobody can stop us.  Look at this room … we are united in purpose.  We’ll fight, fight, fight … we want to WIN!”