by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
Monday’s Lincoln Day event was a celebration of the Republican Party and one of its local members in particular, Tom Petway. Mayor John Peyton introduced Petway after proclaiming Nov. 9 as “Tom Petway Day.” In front of a crowd expected to top 700 attendees, the mayor credited Petway with helping Jacksonville become an NFL city and for lending his time on countless occasions for the betterment of the city.
“During recent tough economic times for the city when there where differences over the budget between the executive and legislative branches of the city government, we turned to the guidance of Tom Petway to reach a budget compromise,” said Peyton. “Stories like this can be told time and time again.”
Former President George H.W. Bush, via video, and keynote speaker, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, praised Petway’s support of the Republican Party. He also took time to rally those in attendance to support the party in upcoming elections after a tough loss in the 2008 presidential election by pointing out what has gone wrong during the new administration and what needs to be done to fix those problems.
Romney talked about President Barack Obama’s proposed healthcare plan and told the crowd, “the public option will be the only option.” Foreign policy has done more to alienate allies than strengthen relationships abroad, Romney explained.
“If we can get rid of Barrack Obama and his government loving people, we can get back to what makes this country great,” said Romney. “It’s people.”
Even Republican Party of Duval County Chair Lenny Curry took a jab at the President.
“Wasn’t that great?” said Curry after Romney’s speech, “and no teleprompter.”
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