Local writer and talk show host Jack Cashill presented the first annual Rich Nadler Freedom Fighter Award to Barbara LeClerq for her steadfast support of her husband, the late Rich Nadler, and for her selfless devotion to the cause of freedom. The entire day was dedicated to Rich Nadler, conservative stalwart.

The family-friendly event featured a hotdog and hamburger picnic with informational booths from political candidates and organizations as well as speeches from local legislators and candidates for statewide and congressional offices.

Besides Brownback and Tiahrt, speakers included both secretary of state candidates, Kris Kobach and JR Claeys, and three 3rd District Congressional candidates, Macie Houston, Patricia Lightner and Daniel Gilyeat. Many recognized Gilyeat as the Iraqi war veteran who was given a new home through Extreme Home Makeovers.

Local legislators speaking included Sen. Julia Lynn, Sen. Karin Brownlee, Rep. Arlen Siegfried, Rep. Lance Kinzer, and Rep. Rob Olson.

Sam Brownback is currently the only Republican candidate for Kansas governor and Todd Tiahrt is vying with US Rep. Jerry Moran for Brownback's US Senate seat in 2010.

The Olathe Republican Party, chaired by Kathy Kist, hosts this annual event as a public service to let people meet and hear their elected officials and candidates, to learn about political organizations in the area, and to give their opinion about preferred candidates.

Here are the straw poll results:

US Senate
Todd Tiahrt -- 165
Jerry Moran -- 46
Others -- 8

Congress
Patricia Lightner -- 74
Macie Houston -- 33
Daniel Gilyeat -- 30
Darla Jaye (write-in) -- 24
Other Write Ins -- 21

Governor
Sam Brownback -- 197
Other Writer Ins -- 12

Secretary of State
Kris Kobach -- 192
JR Claeys -- 22

President -- 2012
Sarah Palin -- 76
Mike Huckabee -- 54
Mitt Romney -- 52
Bobby Jindal -- 19
Ron Paul -- 9
Write ins -- 6