Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, left, greets Rose Beebe at the annual Washington County Republicans’ Reagan Day Dinner Tuesday evening at the Tower Event Center in Marietta. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

MARIETTA – The Washington County Republican Party drew 700 people at the Tower Event and Conference Center for its annual Reagan Day Dinner, where Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy headlined a program at Tower Event Center focused on reviving the “American Dream” and other state leaders outlined priorities for Southeast Ohio.

Ramaswamy told attendees the United States is facing a “national identity crisis” and urged Republicans to restore their pride in hard work, patriotism and individual responsibility.

“My parents came halfway around the world to Cincinnati, Ohio, with nothing,” he said. “In one generation, I was able to build a business and raise a family here. That’s the American Dream – and it should be normal again.”

He said the GOP’s purpose should go beyond defeating political opponents.

“Our role isn’t just to beat the left,” Ramaswamy said. “It’s to answer the question of what we actually stand for as Republicans, as conservatives … freedom, merit, the pursuit of excellence.”

Ramaswamy invited Warren High School student Levi Reynolds, 15, who spoke about firearm safety and education. Ramaswaymy commended Reynolds for his attitude. Ramswamy also spoke about wanting to focus on shifting education standards, civic engagement and his goal to help reinstate a national sense of purpose.

Several additional state and local representatives spoke, including state Sens. Brian Chavez and Kristina Roegner, state Reps. Kevin Ritter and Jay Edwards, and Washington County Commissioner Eddie Place.

Roegner and Edwards are both running for Ohio treasurer. Roegner cited her experience with mechanical engineering and said her experience as a state senator made her feel confident with budgets. Additionally, she joined the discussion on Ohio income taxes.

“One of these goals is to get the 0% income tax, which is just awesome,” she said. “When I started in the Legislature, we were over 70% – we had been working over time to get it down, now we have one bracket with income tax at 2.75%.”

Edwards spoke about his fiscal policy and focused on accountability for financial institutions and support for energy and manufacturing jobs in Southeast Ohio.

“I think it’s time we’re a little wary of our investments in this state,” said Edwards. “I think it’s time to hold these people accountable … I think it’s time we hold these banks and institutional investors accountable for what they do, and I don’t think our taxpayers in this room should be going to institutions that are trying to shut down our morals and values as we hold true here in Southeast Ohio.”

The evening concluded with recognition of volunteers and representatives from both Washington County and the state level.

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com.