On March 2nd, many of our Republican candidates visited Frankfort for Harrison County GOP Candidates Day. They had a great time meeting with our legislators and seeing the General Assembly in action. They were recognized in the Senate as special guests of Senator West and granted floor privileges. It is important that our local leaders not only understand how Frankfort works, but also build strong relations with our state officials so they can secure the information and resources Harrison County needs to thrive! We are thrilled that Harrison County’s Republican candidates are already taking the initiative to learn and work hard for our community.
The candidates, their family members, and the Harrison County GOP Chairman began the day by viewing a Senate Appropriations and Revenue committee hearing. In this meeting, HB 6 “an act relating to the valuation of motor vehicles for property tax purposes and declaring an emergency was heard. So was SB 164 “an act relating to the Imagination Library of Kentucky Program and making an appropriation therefore.”
Senator West greeted the candidates after the committee hearing and after an introduction to each candidate, the group were off to meet with Representative Hart in his office.
After a visit in his office, Representative Hart accompanied the candidates to the Capitol, where a tour was scheduled for the visitors. The tour guide greeted the group in the House Chambers, after hearing from Representative Hart how a bill moves through the legislative process from start to finish, the well-guided tour began.
The tour was fantastic! The Kentucky Capitol is arguably one of the most beautiful in the nation and everyone in the group thoroughly enjoyed learning about it’s history. Built in 1910, much of the marble, wood, and fixtures were shipped into the state especially for the project. The group had the opportunity to sit in the Supreme Court while learning about the wood used to panel the entire room, and the metal painted on the ceiling to achieve the sheen.
After the Capitol tour, our candidates met Representative Lawrence, Representative Hart, and Senator West in the cafeteria for lunch. Representative Phil Pratt from Scott County joined as well. His advice to our candidates was this “Knock on doors! Meet the voters who will have the opportunity to vote for you.”
Representative Lawrence then guided his visitors to his office and, since there were so many, to the conference room in his suite. The candidates filled the room and enjoyed a Q&A session with our state legislators. This session was a fantastic mix of getting to know one another, and information sharing. We look forward to so much more of this in the coming year!
After meeting with Harrison County’s legislators, the group accepted an invitation to the Republican Senate Caucus as guests of Senator West. Each candidate was introduced and made to feel exceptionally welcome by the caucus. Much work is completed here and it was an honor to join in until the caucus entered closed session. The group stepped outdoors to enjoy the day and appreciate the beauty of the campus. It wasn’t long before it was time to pick up gallery passes to view the senate chambers in session.
The candidates were surprised to be welcomed as special guests of Senator West and were granted floor privileges! He recognized the entire group as business leaders in the community and heavily engaged in moving Harrison County forward. It is fascinating to watch state government in action and hear legislation discussed on the floor.
The final stop for the candidates was a visit to the gallery of the House Chambers. The candidates ascended into the gallery to hear the house engaged in heated discussion of HB 3.
After the day, a few of the attendees enjoyed a meal together in Frankfort before heading back to Harrison County with a heart full of memories from the day.
The Harrison County Republican Party is grateful for our local candidates to be welcomed to Frankfort by the people who work so hard to represent Harrison County in state legislature. We look forward to seeing our candidates succeed in local elections and continuing this open communication with our state legislators.