The Dukes Barbecue
Clayton and Lois Dukes are folks who've been active in Clay County politics a long time. If it's election year, the Dukes are going to throw another of their famous meet-and-greet barbecues. This campaign season's feast is tomorrow and, as usual, it's open to every candidate and their families, along with any local citizen who'd like the opportunity to meet the folks running for various offices this year. Folks who attended Wednesday night's candidate forum have already been invited, courtesy of County Clerk candidate Wayne Spivey, who left the impression (by saying it) that the barbecue is in honor of his candidacy. But that, according to Lois Dukes, is blatantly (her word, not mine) incorrect to say the barbecue is being held for Spivey - or any other particular political candidate. Some other candidates, who have no desire to waste away their afternoon feting Spivey's candidacy, have been calling since Wednesday's announcement at the forum and canceling their previously-planned attendance. So, the day before the barbecue, when they should be wrapping up the final few finishing touches, the Dukes are having to call candidates and make sure they understand it's not Spivey's gig, and asked if I'd help get the word out to regular folks who may have been misled as a result of the County Clerk candidate's announcement. All that hard preparation work (hard for anyone, much less someone like Clayton, who celebrated his 90th birthday a couple of election cycles ago), and now they're working even harder just to counteract the effects of a candidate's inaccurate and self-serving public announcement. I have a prior engagement and won't be able to visit with the Dukes, Clay County's candidates and other interested voters tomorrow. Sorry I won't be there to hear when Spivey takes the microphone. But anyone who's interested in meeting any candidate (not just Spivey) is welcome to join the party. It'll be 1 p.m. at the community center at 3860 Doctors Lake Drive. Michael S. Mann
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Submitted by JP on Fri, 07/18/2008 - 12:49pm.
Marsha, Mike is correct. Every candidate and interested party is invited. If his schedule permits, Fred should attend and meet and greet others. Jane Padgett
Submitted by finder on Fri, 07/18/2008 - 1:18pm.
After reading your post I am even happier that I have made plans to attend. The Dukes sound like good folks and I hope to meet them and thank them personally for the opportunity. I had heard about this from another source and was kind of expecting an email about the specifics. I was a little perplexed about where the email came from and the points of contact listed but had decided that I'd go anyway. Hey, Mikey don't miss many meals especially if you throw in the words BBQ and free. Mike Heemer Submitted by ex-oficio on Fri, 07/18/2008 - 3:31pm.
Since they are close to Spivey's wife I guess it may have been planned to help him but they are smart enough to know that the only way to assure a BIG turnout is invite all candidates and ther supporters and feed them free. It has worked for them for years but maybe people have finally figured them out. Any candidate who goes will be waisting their time as there will be no new votes to be had but it will look like a big success for the Dukes.
Submitted by FredCatchpole on Fri, 07/18/2008 - 3:33pm.
Fred Catchpole Office 904-771-6852 Cell 904-708-5541 I plan to attend, I will be the one with a Steelers ball cap on, that is unless Marsha tells me not to wear it lol Fred Catchpole
Submitted by PatThurman on Fri, 07/18/2008 - 3:54pm.
I received an email invitation as a candidate, and it was listed to all candidates, families, and friends. I have not met the Dukes yet, but I will thank them for this opportunity on Saturday. It seemed to be an open invitation to all those wishing to meet and speak with candidates.
Submitted by OneMann on Fri, 07/18/2008 - 4:45pm.
Just got an e-mail from Wayne Spivey's wife that explains what happened. Here it is in its entirety. "Michael: It was my mistake. I talked with Mama Dukes on Tuesday, volunteered to help them but didn't find out about the mistake until Thursday morning when I picked up a flyer...after the Republican forum. I corrected my mistake on Thursday with the Dukes and helped get the corrected information out on Thursday. I have known Mama and Papa Dukes for over forty-seven years - they helped raise me - and have apologized to them. Everyone come out and have a great time. These are great people and we all should appreciate their kindness. Susie Spivey" Thanks for explaining, Mrs. Spivey, and, although you didn't ask, I'm happy to share it with everyone. Michael S. Mann michaelsmann@comcast.net People are talking about ...Here are the recent blog postings with the most comments. |
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It was my understanding this was by invitation only, and Fred was not invited. We've already heard scuttlebutt about how some candidates who show up to things uninvited meet a cold reception.
A downside to partisan politics that is out of balance in this county.