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Missouri Republican officials, lawmakers and candidates gathered Saturday at the West Plains
Civic Center for the Howell County Republican Lincoln Day banquet, featuring a night of
fundraising and wide-ranging remarks on the current political landscape.
The evening included a fundraising auction conducted by Billy Sexton, with Howell County Clerk
Kelly Waggoner recognizing guests and John Williams serving as master of ceremonies. Howell
County Republican Committee Chair Lisa Brassfield expressed her gratitude to the roughly 80
attendees, specifically noting the support of local businesses and volunteers.
“The evening was a great success, and we are truly appreciative of everyone who contributed to
it,” Brassfield said, highlighting the national anthem performance by Tony and Robin Logue,
catering provided by Haley Mitchell and Colton’s Steak House, and donations from Hirsch Feed
and Farm Supply of West Plains, Cynthia Lee and Janet Harrison.
State Rep. Lisa Durnell, R-154th District, opened with a lighthearted look at the realities of
legislative life, joking that her husband has had to endure a steady diet of tacos and a lack of
clean laundry while she is away in Jefferson City.
“He often says that God has been preparing me for this role for decades,” Durnell said. “I’m
definitely the same person here that I am in Jeff City, so just rest assured about that.”
Turning to more serious matters, Durnell emphasized her independence in the House. “I haven’t
sold my soul or my vote, and I’m beholden to no one except my constituents,” she said, citing a
90% Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) rating. She framed her legislative
approach through the lens of Ezekiel 3:17, comparing her role to a "watchman on the wall"
tasked with warning the people of "little pieces" in bills that may not be in their best interest.
Travis Smith, a candidate for the 154th District seat, offered a contrasting philosophy of service
centered on constituent communication. Smith argued that the role of a representative is less
about personal advancement and more about solving local problems.
“Elections aren’t always about who’s right and who’s wrong. More often, they’re about
differences in approach,” Smith told the crowd. “I see this responsibility to serve the people who
sent me there — to answer the phone when there’s a problem and work until it’s solved.”
Smith emphasized that good decisions stem from "listening to other elected officials, local
leaders, and most importantly, the people back home."
State Rep. Keith Elliott, R-153rd District, a cattleman by trade, lamented what he described as a
lack of civic engagement in many communities. He focused his remarks on a practical safety
issue: improving severe weather warning systems. Elliott is currently working on legislation to
install weather towers to fill "gaps in coverage" where radar cannot detect lower-level storms.
State Sen. Brad Hudson, R-33rd District, discussed his work on "abusive" legal practices
involving Americans with Disabilities Act website compliance claims and the "Born Alive Abortion
Survivors Protection Act,” He also strongly advocated for initiative petition reform to protect rural
districts from being "outvoted" in statewide constitutional changes.
Secretary of State Denny Hoskins served as the evening’s keynote speaker, opening with a
series of questions regarding cultural and gender issues to frame his critique of national politics.
“Freedom requires participation, and it requires responsibility,” Hoskins said, noting the
upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Hoskins touted his office's work in maintaining voter rolls, stating they have removed more than
200,000 ineligible voters, including 60,000 deceased individuals. Addressing legal challenges to
his policies, Hoskins told the attendees: “You didn’t elect some crybaby liberal beta male to be
your Secretary of State. You elected a fighter.”
Representing U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, Matt Bain discussed federal tax legislation intended to
benefit working families by expanding deductions for overtime and tips. “This election on the
national level this year is between normal and crazy,” Bain concluded.
