“I'm the only Republican running, so it's really safe and really easy for all of you Republicans to band together.””

Michael Allen

BLACK HAWK — The Gilpin County Republican Central Committee hosted its annual Lincoln Day Dinner on February 27 at the Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk, drawing more than 200 attendees for an evening of dinner, speakers, and fundraising.

The event opened with a cocktail hour dubbed “Drinkin’ with Lincoln,” where guests were served a specialty cocktail called “The Lincoln,” made with smoked Maker’s Mark, maple syrup, and bitters. A plated dinner followed. Live music was provided throughout the evening by Duey Weibel of Duey Music.

Keynote speaker

Jeff Hunt, host of “The Jeff and Bill Show,” served as emcee. Hunt welcomed the crowd and introduced Colorado gubernatorial candidate Victor Marx, the evening's keynote speaker.

Hunt told the audience U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert had been in New York participating in the deposition of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton, preventing her from attending the dinner. He described an incident in which Boebert took and shared a photograph of Hillary Clinton during the deposition, despite rules prohibiting photography. 

According to Hunt, Clinton’s legal team objected and paused the proceedings after the image was posted. The emcee framed the episode as an example of Boebert “pushing boundaries.”

Before Marx took the stage, a campaign-style video was shown. Several security-type looking men were stationed around the room. 

As Marx greeted everyone from the podium, a woman near the back of the banquet hall shouted, “You’re a child molester, Victor Marx!” Nervous, uneven applause followed, briefly unsettling the room.

Marx proceeded with his remarks after the outburst. The Western Slope resident and first-time candidate for governor delivered a wide-ranging speech focused on state and national politics, faith, and his personal history. 

He criticized Democratic leadership in Colorado, citing policies related to immigration, public safety, and business regulations. He also spoke about his Christian faith, encouraging attendees to remain engaged in the political process.

Marx shared details of his upbringing, a childhood marked by severe physical and emotional abuse. He recounted being threatened at gunpoint by his stepfather and left to navigate years of instability before eventually finding sobriety and faith.

He said his campaign is centered on restoring what he described as personal freedoms and strengthening families in Colorado.

“I don’t care what you are, red, blue, rich, poor, country, or city—no one should mess with children," Marx said. "It’s a hard line I draw in the sand that I’m going to punch somebody in the throat.”

Local candidates

During the program, local and statewide candidates were introduced. 

Chair of the GCRCC, Corey Marshall, asked what the county should expect from Zach Meyer, who is running for Gilpin County Sheriff. Meyer stood and kept his remarks brief.

“I’m not big on speeches," he said, "but here I am."

Michael Allen, an El Paso County district attorney running for Colorado attorney general, thanked attendees and called for party unity in the upcoming election cycle.

“I'm the only Republican running, so it's really safe and really easy for all of you Republicans to band together,” he said.

Former Gilpin County Sheriff Bruce Hartman and former county commissioner Marie Mornis were recognized, along with County Treasurer Mary Lorenz.

Live auction

After the speeches concluded, Pistol Pete led the live auction from the front of the banquet hall. Auction items were displayed on screens behind the stage and described in detail before bidding opened. Firearms were among the most popular items of the night.

Auction organizers stated that all firearm transfers would comply with federal and state regulations. Buyers were required to complete the appropriate background check through a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL). Winners could either arrange shipment to a licensed dealer or complete the transfer locally through G&G Guns in Lakewood.

Among the first firearms offered was a Ruger RXM modular 9mm semi-automatic pistol, developed in collaboration with Magpul and compatible with Glock Gen 3 parts. The pistol, which included two 15-round magazines and a carrying case, sold for $800.

A Colt King Cobra .22 LR revolver with a 4.25-inch barrel, listed with a retail value of $1,099, sold for $850.

One of the highest bids of the evening came when a custom Tyler Gunworks Colt 1911 pistol took the stage. Bidding climbed steadily past $3,000 before closing at $4,100, exceeding its stated retail value of approximately $3,500.

A Bushmaster AR-15 rifle, listed with a retail value of $700, was also included among the firearms offered.

Other high-value auction items included a Colorado Avalanche ticket package with VIP parking and an authentic Nathan MacKinnon jersey, listed at a $1,500 retail value and sold for $800. 

A quarter of locally raised high-country beef, valued at $1,200, sold for $850. A handcrafted live-edge coffee table made from sustainably sourced hardwood sold for $600.

In addition to the live auction, raffle items included gift certificates, artwork, liquor packages, sourdough bread, and an Ameristar spa package valued at $400.

Organizers said the event was sold out, with slightly more than 200 tickets purchased. Final fundraising totals were not immediately available, but proceeds will support Republican candidates and party efforts in Gilpin County.

The evening concluded with additional music and socializing before wrapping up around 10:30 p.m.