The headline of the Commentary section in The Washington Times May 7 edition jumped out at me:  “Moment of Truth on Benghazi…A House Committee Tries to Learn Why the White House Slept.” Without having to read Frank J. Gaffney Jr.’s entire article, I know exactly what happened. The word “indifference” did jump off the page at me. Community organizers can easily say, “Call me in the morning.” A competent Commander-in-Chief –  just like any member of the military – knows that you never – absolutely never – leave a man behind.

Over 100 guests turned out for the Annual St. Mary’s County Republican Central Committee’s Lincoln/Reagan Dinner held on Friday, May 3 at the Olde Breton Inn in Maryland. The evening began with opening remarks by SMCRCC Chair Mary Burke-Russell followed by the Invocation led by RCC member Patrick Burke. The singing of the National Anthem was led by yours truly and Vice-Chair Julie Burk-Greer led the Pledge of Allegiance.

After a sumptuous dinner of stuffed Cornish hen and squash casserole (kudos to Eddie Bailey and staff), our Fifth District Congressman, Tony O’Donnell, was introduced by Mary Burke-Russell.

Del.O’Donnell’s comments included the fact that he, Tony, garnered the highest number of votes of any Republican nominee since 1992 during the 2012 election. He cautioned us to “not count O’Malley out” in his run for President in spite of his latest efforts: the rain tax, the gasoline tax, stricter gun laws, and the repeal of the death penalty in Maryland. (And – oh, yes – the current Baltimore prison scandal!) Just last week, there was a change in Maryland’s Republican leadership in Annapolis – Tony is no longer our minority leader, a position in which he served for seven years, having been minority whip during the three years before assuming that leadership. Tony promises that he will continue to work just as hard to focus on his work for us.

Newly-elected MDGOP Chair Diana Waterman was the next speaker. Diana was elected to her new position on April 20 at the MDGOP Spring Convention held in Timonium, Md. She is only one of seven MDGOP female state Chairs in the country. She graciously thanked all those who helped her with the election – including St. Mary’s own Mary Burke-Russell, as well as Collins Bailey (of Charles County) who was elected to fill the MDGOP First Vice Chair spot vacated by Ms. Waterman.  Diana invited everyone to Baltimore on June 20 to the Renaissance Hotel to welcome Pa