Hundreds turn out, but convention spotlight a no go

Earlier this week the Venango County Republicans posted to social media that Oil City had been chosen by the Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee for television coverage to be played during the convention coverage the night President Trump was expected to accept the nomination for a run at a second term.

"A real honor: You have been chosen: Trump supporters and our GOP of Venango Co. has been chosen for TV & media from the Trump Campaign & RNC to be televised for the Republican National Convention THIS THURSDAY. You are needed to help show a Thank you and Support for Pres. Trump for TV this same evening before the nomination speech. Highlighting Oil City & Venango Co. on national TV is a real honor, privilege & showing us to the nation can potentially highlight us for later benefits to our community. Come on to 215 Seneca St., OC, this Thurs and help show our Thank you and Support," the post read.

A spokesperson from the Trump campaign indicated Thursday night that was the intention, but that it did not happen. Venango County Republican state chair woman Martha Breene championed this event and was expecting they would be a spotlight location. She was extremely happy with the turnout with over 200 Trump supporters lining Seneca Street. Though Breene was disappointed the spotlight fell through she felt the event still reflected the support Venango County has for the president.

A handful of speakers addressed the crowd that at times spilled onto the street. Commisioners Mike Dulaney and Sam Breene, Martha's son, rallied the crowd with chants. "Help with a bucket list item," Sam Breene told the crowd, He said he always wanted to lead a crowd in a "USA, USA, USA" chant. The crowd enthusiastically  complied.

Other speakers spoke of Trump's successes and the need to show up at the polls to vote. State Representative R. Lee James said at the end of his remarks that he had one thing to tell the crowd that is of utmost importance. "Vote," he said.
State Senator Scott Hutchinson got the crowd excited with chants of "Four more years," as he emphasized the direction the country was headed economically before COVID-19 hit. He assured the crowd that we will get through this and get the economy back on track if Trump is reelected.

The crowd was then told to hang tight for a very special guest at 7 p.m. Sam Breene showed up with microphone in hand on the hour to announce that Representative Glenn Thompson was in the White House with the President but took time to call and address the crowd. Via the microphone held up to Breene's phone Thompson spoke to his constituents huddled near the Republican headquarters.

Supporters cheered GT's remarks and went back to the rally-like atmosphere after Sam Breene's closing remarks.

Oil City was a busy place Thursday night with Elks offering up food, the Bike and Brew pick-up for the FLEX fundraiser and the Thursday night concert series in Town Square park all happening at the same time.

In the end, Trump supporters got a chance to really show their pride and support for the president together in a rally atmosphere where petitions were passed around and voter registration forms were handed out. Martha Breene said she ran out of campaign signs again despite ordering an additional 600 for the event. She said they have handed out over 2,500 yard signs to date at the headquarters.