By FRED SWIFT
The County Line
Hamilton County Republicans have scheduled their Lincoln Day Dinner for April 19 at Noblesville’s Embassy Suites Conference Center. It’s a new location after several years at Carmel’s 502 East Event Center. U.S. Senator Mike Braun will be the speaker at the annual gala designed to honor the memory of Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican president. The event starts with a VIP reception at 5 p.m. with dinner and dancing to follow.
The Lincoln Day event comes just two weeks prior to primary election day. The primary campaign is currently underway, although there have been no major issues to produce interest or excitement. Thus, a light vote can be expected.
There are several contests on the GOP ballot while Democrats are without many candidates, let alone contests.
The Republican primary is always important because winners in heavily Republican Hamilton County are most likely to win in the fall general election. No Democrat has won countywide office since 1958.
GOP contests to watch include the race for judge of the newly created Superior Court 7 where court magistrate Darren Murphy is competing with longtime local attorney Stephenie Gookins, and the contest for prosecutor where incumbent Lee Buckingham is challenged by former Marion County deputy prosecutor Greg Garrison.
Also, of unusual note is the race for county coroner where there is rarely a contest. But, this year Chief Deputy Coroner Jeff Jellison is challenged by Dr. Ned Masbaum.
Probably attracting the most attention among other races is the contest between County Council incumbent Steve Schwartz and Mark Hall both seeking the Council District 3 seat representing the Noblesville area.