Friday, December 7, 2007...McDowell County ...I'd been waiting to come to McDowell just because Marion sounded like a nice place - that's what I gleaned from folks I talked to during advance work on the phone. The Marion Community Center was highly recommended and who could pass up a place where you had to meet the local police to unlock the doors. Fred left Arden (our home base for these few days in the mountains) with retired Sheriff George Erwin from Henderson County. They attended a business luncheon, media visit, coalition meetings and met with contributors at a Lake James home. Meanwhile, we waited for the police to open the door on what turned out to be a great venue. Guests started arriving and we recruited volunteers to help with registration. Rep. Mitch Gillespie and Keith Presnell, who is running for State Senate, were great hosts. A crowd of nearly 100 arrived and in Mitch's introduction he welcomed Paul - the Democrat's videographer. He told a story that by the time Elizabeth Dole's Democrat shadow finished the campaign, he voted Republican. Mitch said he could only hope the same for Paul. Everyone laughed and Paul made a face. Wish I'd had a video camera! Fred was at the top of his game and recently made a few minor speech changes, adding a great quote from President Calvin Coolidge about persistence and determination. Let me assure you, Fred has both! If every county GOP group takes on that mantra and brings persistence and determination to their game, we cannot lose. Or as Sheriff George sometimes reminds us from another great quote, "Changes can come from the power of many but only when the many come together to form that which is invincible...the power of One." Many Republicans working together as one can win!!! Thanks McDowell. It was a great visit.