Security, economy focus of Washington County Republicans at annual fundraiser

Written by Nick Yamashita
March 6, 2023

ST. GEORGE —The state of the nation’s security and economy were among the topics at the Washington County Republican Party’s annual gathering, the Lincoln Day Dinner, on Feb. 18 at the Dixie Convention Center.

The state of national security and the economy was a main focus for the Washington County Republican Party’s Lincoln Day Dinner at the Dixie Convention Center in St. George, Utah, Feb. 18, 2023 | Photo by Nick Yamashita, St. George News

The annual fundraising event featured guest speakers Robert C. O’Brien and Jason Chaffetz.

O’Brien served as the United States National Security Advisor under former President Donald Trump from 2019-2021. He spoke of concerns about China during his speech.

He said the government of China receives billions of “your” money to invest in businesses that utilize slavery.

O’Brien also spoke on federal government overreach and the importance of family, faith and freedom. Using personal stories, he stressed the importance of national security, the need to change focus and being less reliant on other nations.

Another speaker at the event, Utah U.S. Rep. Chris Stewart, talked about the problem of social media and the connection between overuse and depression in youth. His statements went along with the recent pursuit of local governments banning certain social media platforms from state devices, including TikTok.

O’Brien agreed with Stewart on social media concerns, the worst being TikTok, which is controlled by China and divides people, saying it allows hatred to fester among users. Data entered by users of social media platforms becomes their property, he said.

Chaffetz, the final speaker, is currently a Fox News political contributor and a former congressman, serving Utah from 2009-2017. He chaired the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform from 2015-2017, becoming heavily involved in the investigation of Hillary Clinton.

“I am tired of hearing about how Democrats care more,” Chaffetz said. “It is usually because they take this mantle ‘well it’s because we spend more so obviously we care more.’ That is not always the best solution to every question.”

The state of national security and the economy was a main focus for the Washington County Republican Party’s Lincoln Day Dinner at the Dixie Convention Center in St. George, Utah, Feb. 18, 2023 | Photo by Nick Yamashita, St. George News

In relation to the strength of the nation’s defense system, Chaffetz said under former President Ronald Reagan, there were 600 warships the U.S. had active. Under the current administration, there are 287 warships.

Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson spoke in place of Gov. Spencer Cox, who was representing the state at the NBA All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City.

She announced that during the week leading up to the event, Utah was able to gain an $11 billion investment with Texas Instruments which was highly desired by many states. Because of the economic growth in the state, Utah was able to secure the deal, Henderson said.

The Dallas-based company will expand its semiconductor wafer fabrication plant in Lehi.

“In fact, we are doing so well in our state right now,” Henderson said, “that for the third year in a row, we will be having significant tax cuts for the people of the state of Utah.”

She reported last year there was a $300 million tax cut and a $400 million tax cut this year, of the proposed $1 billion to be cut by Cox. This included an income tax cut, double child exemption and social security tax cut.

The state of national security and the economy was a main focus for the Washington County Republican Party’s Lincoln Day Dinner at the Dixie Convention Center in St. George, Utah, Feb. 18, 2023 | Photo by Nick Yamashita, St. George News

“Times are pretty tough,” Utah Republican Party Chair Carson Jorgensen said during his speech on political support. “You see things happening around our country that seems to be out of our control.”

Jorgensen said some citizens may not feel like it’s their place to stand up and fight.

“That is okay,” Jorgensen said. “But let me tell you that there are people out there willing to fight for you. Those are the people you need to be behind.”

Washington County Commissioner Adam Snow, State Treasurer Marlo Oaks and Washington County Republican Party Chair Lesa Sandberg also gave presentations. Military personnel were given recognition throughout the event.

“Thank you to everyone who is doing the work to save our country,” Stewart said.

Sandberg stressed the importance of the history of the political atmosphere in Washington County.

“Let’s make sure to keep Dixie red,” Sandberg said.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nick Yamashita has extensive experience reporting for small town media, covering a variety of subjects and events for The Virgin River Times and The Progress in Southern Nevada. Before a career in journalism, he worked a variety of jobs in criminal justice systems. Yamashita holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a master's degree in interdisciplinary studies from Southern Utah University. He is an award-winning photographer and writer. He has been published in scholarly articles and poetry compilations. In his spare time, he practices and teaches martial arts.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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