I didn't get to meet Wild Bill, as they call him, except briefly.  But he is easy to pick out in a crowd with his red shirt and black top hat, making him even taller than he already is.  Wild Bill spent the evening making sure things were going smoothly and mixing with the crowd. I could tell these were "his people." Brian Koss was welcoming, as always. Brian works for the GOP, but seems to get the vibe that is out there demanding better candidates and elected officials who will stick to their principles.  

The main speaker was Nolan Finley. He painted a bleak picture of where our country is headed but ended his speech with a hopeful call to action for all of us listening. We are the hope for this country. We can help reclaim and restore liberty by working for good candidates and then holding them accountable.  Nolan was gracious as folks asked questions that were more like statements and clamored to shake his hand on the way out.

My favorite conversation of the night was with a woman named Debbie, who was serving drinks.  As I watched her work and talk with another young many helping her, I wondered what they must think of these events. I know that if it was a lefty dinner celebrating their fantastic ability to take over our country, I would have to try not to walk out or serve them flat beer.  As I waited for my diet coke we started to chat. Debbie gets it. Like so many average Americans across the country, she is fearful about where we are headed and ready to fight back.  What a great lady and a great event!  

Last night I headed East on M-59 to the Billy's Tip `n Inn.  This low key lodge atmosphere was a great backdrop for the North Oakland Republican Club mixer.  Dennis Pittman is in charge of NORC and said he underestimated how many people would attend the event, so we were a bit squished in a room off the main bar.  In some situations it would have been awkward, but NORC feels like one big family anyway so it worked.  

After paying my $10, I pinned on my NORC Christmas button and stepped into the crowd. The music was great; just a guy and his guitar but proof that sometimes one good musician is all you need.  There was a full meal and dessert, which was a good bargain for the price. Rocky Raczowski, Michelle McManus and Bill Schuette were all were working the room in fine fashion.  Scott Czasak and Chris McCoy were there- both always up for a fun time.

I also ran into some people I see on Facebook, including Carolyn & David Belaen.  We stood in the hallway talking and trying to stay out of the way of the waitresses.  Carolyn and David are professional and polished and very down to earth. They are an impressive couple who are doing all they do to help good candidates get elected.