On hand for the Wetzel County Republican Committee’s annual Reagan Day Dinner and Candidates’ Night March 20 were, from left, Tom Stark of Parkersburg; Mac Warner of Morgantown; Barbara Brasher, chairman and emcee for the dinner; Sarah Minear of Morgantown; and David McKinley of Wheeling. The four are among one Democrats and six Republicans seeking their party’s nomination to unseat current U. S. First District Alan Mollohan of Fairmont in the November election. Some 70 guests attended the event, catered by Quinet’s Court Restaurant at the PPG McKenna Shelter in Proctor. (Photo by Bill Abraham).

The Wetzel County Republican Party held its annual Reagan Day Dinner and candidate night March 20 at PPG Shelter, with some 70 party faithful and guests attending to hear remarks from primary election candidates for the First Congressional District seat now held by Democrat Alan Mollohan of Fairmont.

In a bipartisan spirit, Mollohan and State Sen. Mike Oliverio of Morgantown also were invited, but were not present.

The only congressional candidates to appear were Republicans Mac Warner of Morgantown, Sarah M. Minear of Morgantown, David McKinley of Wheeling, and Tom Stark of Parkersburg. The four are among seven Democrats and Republicans seeking to unseat Mollohan in the November election.

According to Barbara Brasher, emcee for the event, attendance at the dinner was up slightly from previous years, when it was commonly known by its former name, the Lincoln Day Dinner.

Several other Republicans were on hand to meet voters, including Mark A. Sorsaia of Hurricane, who is exploring a run for governor; Mike Clark and Barbara Nolan of the Wetzel County Republican Executive Committee; and Lewis J. Swann, a candidate for the state Republican Executive Committee.

November 2009 statistics from the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office show 2,692 residents of Wetzel County are registered Republicans, while 8,198 are Democrats, and 1,398 are registered as Independent or other parties.

The party will sponsor a 2010 Candidates Forum for first district congressional candidates on April 11 at New Martinsville City Hall, beginning at 2 p.m.