Laurel County Republican Party Attends Statewide Convention, Sends Largest Delegation from the 5th Congressional District

On Saturday, June 7th the Laurel County Republican Party attended the Kentucky Republican Party Convention in Bowling Green, Kentucky at the Sloan Convention Center.

The purpose of the convention was to elect the delegates to attend the National Republican Party Convention that will be held later this year in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Of the 27 Counties that make up the 5th Congressional District, the Laurel County Republican Party sent the largest number of delegates than any other attending county in Southeastern Kentucky. There were 28 Laurel Republicans attending, and 18 of which were official delegates to the convention.

“The statewide conventions are an important part of our democray and the nomination process for our Republican Presidential Candidate, and I am very proud so many Laurel Republicans turned out to support the party.”, said Laurel County Republican Party Chairman Bryan Mills.

Pictured are some of the conventions attendees from left to right: Bryan Mills (Laurel County Republican Party Chairman), Don McFadden, Russell Burgin, James Barnett, Carla Handy, Jason Handy, Jonathan Durham, Molly Barnett, J.L. Albright (Asst. County Attorney), Connie Depew, Jackie Steele, Sr., Donna McClure (Sen. McConnell Field Rep), Jackie Steele (Commonwealth Attorney), Karen Wyan, Casey Taylor, Joyce Garland Parker (Laurel County PVA), Jackie Mills, Wes Harville, Jonathan McClure, Debbie Harville, Regina Crawford, and Gary Parker.

Laurel Republican Joins Republican National Committee Chairman's Staff

Kevin Smith, a native of Laurel County, has joined the staff of Republican National Committee Chairman Robert M. “Mike” Duncan as the Special Assistant to the Chairman.

Mr. Duncan, a 30-year political strategist and veteran of Republican politics from Inez, Ky., in Martin County was elected as the 60th Chairman of the RNC in January 2007.

In January 2008, Kevin transitioned from a position in Kentucky’s Senior U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell to work as the RNC Chairman's Special Assistant.

“Kevin’s dedication and skills make him an integral part of my team. It is a true pleasure working with Kevin and I know he has a long successful career ahead of him.” said RNC Chairman Mike Duncan.

Kevin is a 24-year-old Laurel Countian, who was born in Manchester, Ky., and is a 2006 graduate of Union College in Barbourville, where he majored in accounting and business administration.

At Union, Kevin accumulated many national honors for his baseball accomplishments and his academic achievements. In addition, he was Chairman of the College Republicans and President of Phi Beta Lambda Business Club. He also worked during his Christmas breaks at National City Bank in London, and is a member of First Baptist of London.

After graduation from Union, he interned for U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers in Washington, D.C. He then went on to the University of Kentucky to obtain his M.B.A. with an emphasis in finance. While in Lexington, he volunteered on several state-wide campaigns and interned during the 2007 Legislative Session of the Kentucky General Assembly.

After completing his master’s degree this past June, Kevin had the opportunity to serve Senator McConnell in his Washington, D.C., office working as his Legislative Correspondent on agriculture and energy issues.

Kevin attended the 2005 Presidential Inauguration of George W. Bush, as well as, the 2006 and 2007 Presidential State of the Union Addresses. In his new post at the RNC, Kevin travels the country assisting Chairman Duncan. This year he has traveled from Beverly Hills, Calif., to Portland, Maine, and from Kalispell, Mont., to Dallas, Texas, meeting with Republican candidates and donors.

In fact, he has recently just returned from a trip where he spent time with President Bush in his hometown of Crawford, Texas. He is looking forward to attending the 2008 Kentucky Republican State Convention this June in Bowling Green and the Republican National Convention this September in Minneapolis, Minn.

“Kevin Smith makes Laurel County proud, and is a rising star in the Republican Party. We hope he brings this energy and determination back to Southeastern Kentucky.” said Laurel County Republican Chairman Bryan Mills.